Alouettes get former first overall pick Tyrell Richards back for East Final

Photo courtesy: Montreal Alouettes

The Montreal Alouettes’ special teams unit just got a lot more menacing for the Eastern Final, thanks to the return of Canadian linebacker Tyrell Richards.

The six-foot-four, 240-pound backer was selected first overall after the Alouettes traded up in the 2022 CFL Draft but has struggled with injuries early in his pro career. He was placed on the six-game injured list in Week 12 and did not return until Week 21, exiting early in that contest with a thigh issue.

In 12 games this season, Richards has recorded 10 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception which was returned for a touchdown in the same week as his injury. Due to his unusual size and length for a CFL linebacker, the Brampton, Ont. native is one of the league’s highest-graded special teamers when healthy and creates a true mismatch for blockers.

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The rest of the Alouettes’ roster is largely unchanged from their Eastern Semi-Final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, with Canadian defensive back Tysen Otis-Copeland moving to the practice roster to make room for Richards. Sixth offensive lineman Sean Jamieson (knee) has been ruled out and will be replaced by Jesse Gibbon.

The Alouettes (11-7) will visit the Toronto Argonauts (16-2) in the Eastern Final on Saturday, November 11 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Toronto swept all three meetings between the teams in the regular season.