All-star left tackle Nick Callender game-time decision for Montreal Alouettes in East Final

Montreal Alouettes

The Montreal Alouettes are potentially getting a couple of big names back in the lineup for the East Final, including top offensive lineman Nick Callender.

The 32-year-old left tackle is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday after missing the last six games with a back injury. He was a limited participant in all three practice sessions this week and appears likely to suit up. Despite his extended absence, Callender earned his fourth career East Division All-CFL selection this year and was a finalist for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, losing to Winnipeg’s Jarell Broxton.

Also returning this week is kicker Jose Maltos Diaz, who underwent wrist surgery after suffering an injury in Week 20 against Saskatchewan. The native of Mexico has connected on 40-of-43 attempts this year (93 percent) and delivered the kick that sent Montreal to the Grey Cup in 2025.

As expected, quarterback Davis Alexander and his top two receivers, Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead, will be ready to go after resting the final two weeks of the regular season. Veteran defensive tackle Dylan Wynn, who was acquired at the CFL trade deadline, will be a game-time decision with a head/back injury.

Notably, running back Travis Theis has been ruled out with a knee injury despite being initially listed as questionable. Stevie Scott III and Shomari Lawrence will continue to form the backfield tandem.

Kicker Lewis Ward and offensive lineman Des Holmes are ready to go on the reserve roster should a late scratch arise. Special teams standout Jonathan Sutherland (hamstring), receiver Alexander Hollins (ankle), offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree II (illness), and defensive tackle Bryce Ganious (shoulder) will begin the playoffs on the injured list.

The Montreal Alouettes (14-4) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-9) for the East Final at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 7, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The teams met twice during the regular season, with both teams winning at home.

The game will be broadcast on TSN, CTV, and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and TSN 690 (English) or 99.5 Montreal (French) in Montreal.