Veteran receiver Jaelon Acklin will be back in the Redblacks’ lineup on Saturday, three weeks after he was stretchered off the field against the B.C. Lions.
The 29-year-old native of Mountain View, Mo. was injured when he leaped to catch a pass from Dru Brown in the end zone and was hit by veteran defensive back T.J. Lee, causing him to land on his upper back. The momentum of his lower body caused him to flip over onto his stomach where he lay motionless after briefly attempting to stand up.
The six-foot-two, 190-pound target received medical attention for several minutes before being placed on a spineboard and stretcher. He was taken to hospital where he stayed overnight before being released the next day after all tests came back negative.
Acklin is in his fifth CFL season and third as a member of the Redblacks, spending the previous two with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He has made 45 catches for 484 yards and three touchdowns through 10 games so far this season.
Recently acquired running back Jamal Morrow (hamstring) has been placed on the six-game injured list to make room for Acklin, while rookie Eli Stove has been bumped into a depth role and will handle return duties.
Canadian right tackle Zack Pelehos (ankle) has also been moved to the six-game injured list and will be replaced by American Drake Centers. Rounding out the moves is Canadian receiver Keaton Bruggeling coming onto the roster for depth, while American defensive back Bennett Williams goes back to the practice squad.
The Ottawa Redblacks (8-3-1) will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-9) on Saturday, September 14 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
