Montreal Alouettes’ strong-side linebacker Reggie Stubblefield has confirmed he suffered a torn ACL in Thursday’s season opener but denies the injury came after an attempt to injure Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Chris Streveler.
The 25-year-old confirmed his injury via a post to his Instagram account on Saturday.
“Thank you to every person who has reached out, especially every player in the CFL. This has meant a lot to me and I will get back to everyone soon.
I am heartbroken and have gone through so many emotions, but I am humbled and motivated by the support and love from you all.
To truly know me, is to know I never have any ill intentions in this game of football and never want or plan to hurt anyone. I play every snap and minute of this game with 100% effort and physicality and for that I leave with no regrets.
The mission remains the same, for this city and franchise ! Grinding for Championship Number 9 (GR9) just in a different way now for me off the field.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I begin the healing process today.
‘For The Strength Of The Pack Is In The Wolf, The Strength Of The Wolf Is In The Pack.’
Proud of my Team 1-0″
Streveler took issue with Stubblefield’s play following the game, claiming the defender attempted to jerk his knee in an awkward direction following a 13-yard run late in the third quarter. The mobile QB was visibly animated with the referee following the play and appeared to be in some discomfort.
“There’s no place in football for that stuff. We’re all out here trying to win and play hard within the whistle. Stuff like that, there’s no place in the game for it, so I needed to say something,” Streveler told reporters post-game. “We’re all playing hard, but I thought it was after the whistle and I thought it was completely unnecessary and that’s why I said something.”
Stubblefield had to be carted off the field after the very next play. He later tweeted that the injury was season-ending, before deleting the post. A typical torn ACL requires a six to nine-month recovery time.
The Kansas State product was Montreal’s nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie in 2023 after recording 38 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 13 games. He helped his team upset the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup, recording five tackles and one sack in the CFL’s title game.
The Alouettes (1-0) will return to the field without Stubblefield on Friday, June 14 when they visit the Edmonton Elks (0-0).
