One of the most potent duos of the 2023 CFL seasons will be back in action on Sunday in Montreal.
All-star receiver Austin Mack, who returned to the team earlier this week after a stint with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, will be in the starting lineup against the Edmonton Elks and will be joined by his quarterback Cody Fajardo, who is making his return from injury.
Mack recorded 78 receptions for 1,154 yards and four touchdowns with the Alouettes in 2023 — most of it courtesy of Fajardo. He was a key part of the Als’ CFL championship run, making 13 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns, including a 104-yard performance in the Grey Cup.
Fajardo was the MVP of that game in his first season in Montreal and was off to a hot start in 2024, before missing the last four games with a hamstring injury. Through the first six contests, he threw for 1,636 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.
Davis Alexander, who has thrown for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception while steering the Alouettes to four victories, will once again serve as the team’s backup. American receiver Reggie White Jr. has been demoted to the practice roster to make room for Mack.
Defensively, the surprise move is the relegation of veteran cornerback Nafees Lyon to the practice squad. In seven starts this season, the 27-year-old has recorded 25 defensive tackles and an interception. Dionte Ruffin will take over at boundary corner, with Bryce Cosby moving to field halfback and Titus Wall garnering his first start of the season at strong-side linebacker.
Among the other moves, American linebacker Bryce Notree will be a healthy scratch and Canadian defensive back Tysen-Otis Copeland (abdomen) has been placed on the six-game injured list. Canadian defensive end Anthony Federico, American linebacker K.D. Davis, and American offensive lineman Donny Ventrelli will all draw into the lineup in depth roles.
The Montreal Alouettes (9-1) will host the Edmonton Elks (3-7) on Sunday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
