THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — With NFL cuts trickling in, the speculation begins as former stars become available.
Plus, Mark’s Labour Day Weekend is here — the start of the rest of the CFL season.
That and much, much more in the latest Checking Down:
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
Alex Bazzie continues to set the gold standard for defensive linemen in 2016 (The Canadian Press)
– Lions head coach and GM Wally Buono says he’s seen improvement from Emmanuel Arceneaux this season, who continues to be one of the CFL’s elite recievers (Curtis Rush, The Toronto Star).
– Any fears that Solomon Elimimian wouldn’t be the same player after his Achilles injury have been laid to rest after the first nine games this season (Mike Beamish, Vancouver Sun).
– After settling for a part-time role in 2015, Alex Bazzie is making the most as a full-time starter in 2016 as he leads the CFL in sacks (Cam Tucker, Vancouver Province).
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Derel Walker and the Esks look to stay hot in Week 11 (Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca)
– The Eskimos have released defensive back Solomon Means.
– While GM Ed Hervey says he’s reached out to recently-released former Esks Willie Jefferson and Aaron Grymes, the timeframe is up to the players (Morley Scott, CHED).
– In a mid-season update, Hervey added that he’s happy with where the Eskimos are through nine games this season (Morley Scott, CHED).
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Bo Levi Mitchell got through Sunday’s win without getting sacked once (The Canadian Press)
– In a game billed as a heavyweight duel between league’s best O-line and the best D-line, it was Calgary’s front five that made a statement after allowing zero sacks (Daniel Austin, Calgary Herald).
– Stamps rookie receiver DaVaris Daniels came away with two prized footballs after Sunday’s win: his first career touchdown toss and a game ball (Scott Fisher, Calgary Herald).
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Chris Jones and the Riders know they need to get their season on track soon (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)
– The Riders’ Labour Day Classic vs. Winnipeg, the final one to be played at Mosaic Stadium, is reportedly close to being a sellout (CJME Regina).
– The Riders need their season to go just like their recent loss to the Eskimos — with a strong finish after falling behind early (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).
– Saskatchewan does not appear to be a likely landing spot for the recently-released Brandon Browner and Aaron Grymes (Rod Pedersen).
– A year after cleaning house, how much better are the Riders? (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Matt Nichols will look to help the Bombers win their fifth straight game (The Canadian Press)
– The Bombers have released linebacker Herve Tonye-Tonye from the practice roster.
– Former Bombers returner Troy Stoudermire has been released by the Minnesota Vikings (Jon Krawczynski, The Associated Press).
– Justin Medlock and Andrew Harris were named Shaw Top Performers for Week 10.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
The Ticats have added a veteran receiver in John Chiles (CFL.ca)
– Former Ticat Terrell Sinkfield has been released by the Minnesota Vikings (Jon Krawczynski, The Associated Press).
– According to his own Instagram, John Chiles has signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL.ca).
– The reason for the Ticats’ penalty troubles? Part of it might have to do with youth and inexperience (Drew Edwards, 3 Down nation).
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Ricky Ray hasn’t shown any sign of rust as he returns to the lineup (The Canadian Press)
– After dealing with a high ankle sprain, Tori Gurley is happy to join a full complement of Argos receivers prepared to dress in Week 11 (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).
– Finally healthy, Joe Rankin is ready to contribute in the Argos’ young secondary (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).
– Scott Milanovich says Ricky Ray showed no rust this week in practice and is ready to go (Mike Beamish, Vancouver Province).
– Keon Raymond’s release may not have been intended to send a message, but has it? (Chris O’Leary, The Toronto Star).
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
Trevor Harris will look to build on a strong return to the lineup in Week 11 (Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca)
– REDBLACKS 2016 draft pick and defensive lineman Mehdi Abdesmad has survived the first round of NFL cuts with the Tennessee Titans (Gord Holder, Ottawa Citizen).
– Despite losing four of their last five, Ettore Lattanzio says there’s no panic in the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ room (TSN 1200).
– While it was thought that switching to Trevor Harris would solve the REDBLACKS’ woes, the team’s recent issues have little to do with the quarterback (Donnovan Bennett, Sportsnet).
– John Boyett has beaten out Dave Hinds for the chance to start at linebacker. Hinds was released this week by the REDBLACKS after Boyett showed promise at the position (Gord Holder, Ottawa Sun).
– Offensive lineman Alex Mateas is wearing a boot but could still suit up in Week 11 (Gord Holder, Ottawa Sun).
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Anthony Calvillo is looking to put his stamp on the Als’ struggling offence (The Canadian Press)
– Former Alouettes draft pick David Foucault has been waived by the Carolina Panthers and has cleared waivers (Gary Lawless, TSN).
– Alouettes offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo says it’s time to set a new standard and put his own stamp on the struggling Montreal offence (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– Billy Parker will not play this weekend, marking the fourth consecutive missed game for the veteran defensive back (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
