The Ottawa Redblacks will be without top pass rusher Lorenzo Mauldin IV when they take on the Montreal Alouettes on Thanksgiving Monday.
Mauldin was unable to practice this week due to a neck injury and will be placed on the one-game injured list.
The 31-year-old had a breakout season in 2022, recording 43 tackles, 17 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, beating out current Alouette Shawn Lemon, who was the West Division nominee with Calgary.
The Louisville product has had a quiet second season in the nation’s capital, recording 26 defensive tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble in 15 games. Canadian Kene Onyeka will start at defensive end in his place, while defensive tackle Tre Hornbuckle draws into the lineup for depth.
Also joining Mauldin on the one-game injured list is long-time Redblacks’ special teamer Nigel Romick (ankle), who has notched eight special teams tackles this season. He’ll be replaced by rookie Aidan John.
That unit will be boosted by the return of linebacker Gary Johnson Jr., who has also notched eight special teams tackles in eight games prior to suffering a foot injury. He’ll be joined in the lineup by Canadian receiver Keaton Bruggeling, while offensive lineman Eric Starczala and returner Tobias Harris have both been demoted to the practice squad.
The Redblacks (4-11) will visit the Alouettes (8-7) on Monday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Montreal has won the previous three meetings between the two teams this season, including a commanding 32-15 victory last week.
