THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL -- Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo was carted off the field at Percival Molson Stadium on Thursday night after taking a hit from Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive end Odell Willis.

Calvillo lay motionless on the turf for at least five minutes before finally sitting up. He attempted to get up and slowly began walking toward the sidelines, but only went a few strides before kneeling down and laying back on the turf.

A hush fell over the sellout crowd of 25,012 immediately after having cheered for Calvillo getting back on his feet.

A cart was brought on to the field and Calvillo got up, stepped onto the cart then lay back down. He was seen leaving the stadium on a stretcher just before the end of the first half.

The Alouettes were leading the Blue Bombers 24-0 at the time.

Calvillo was replaced by backup quarterback Chris Leak.

Calvillo has missed only six games in his 12-plus seasons with the Alouettes.