The Canadian Press
TORONTO — Weston Dressler and Tyrell Sutton are back on the field just in time for Mark’s Labour Day Weekend.
In Hamilton, meanwhile, Johnny Manziel has reportedly worked out for the Ticats — but what’s next for the former Heisman Trophy-winning QB?
One of the most exciting weeks on the CFL schedule has arrived! We check on the latest in this week’s Checking Down as it all gets under way Thursday:
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
– After three straight losses, there are plenty of questions to go along with some finger-pointing in BC — particularly over play-calling (Lowell Ullrich, 3 Down Nation).
– If the Lions make a QB change, what are the implications? Travis Lulay brings the experience of a ‘coach on the field’ for the Lions’ offence (Lowell Ullrich, TSN).
– Wally Buono has suggested more needs to be done to get Chris Williams involved in the offence after he was held to just three catches (Lowell Ullrich, TSN).
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Jason Maas and the Eskimos look to snap out of a two-game losing streak on Labour Day (The Canadian Press)
– With one point separating three teams at the top of the West, this year’s Mark’s Labour Day Weekend could be one for the ages (Terry Jones, Edmonton Journal).
– Despite a tough outing in Week 10, Mike Reilly got the nod from the CFL.ca writers as the QB for the mid-season all-star roster (CFL.ca).
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Alex Singleton continues to play at a high level in the middle of the Stampeders’ defence (The Canadian Press)
– After two straight home games without allowing a touchdown, the Stampeders’ defence is coming into its own at the midway point of the season (George Johnson, Stampeders.com).
– With the halfway point upon us, the Stampeders lead the way with eight mid-season all-star selections by the CFL.ca writers (CFL.ca).
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Duron Carter points to a far more confident Riders team after back to back wins (The Canadian Press)
– Key to the Riders’ recent success has been their ability to prevent big plays by opposing offences. They’ve allowed only four completions on the last 20 passing attempts of 20 yards or more, with two touchdowns and four interceptions (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).
– After scoring 95 points in back-to-back blowout victories, the Riders believe they’re an entirely different team from the one that opened the season 2-4 (Ian Hamilton, Riderville.com).
– With the team’s recent success, approval ratings are soaring for Riders GM and head coach Chris Jones (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Weston Dressler returns to the lineup just in time to face his former team on Sunday (The Canadian Press)
– Weston Dressler is working with the Bombers’ first-team offence and will play in the Labour Day Classic on Sunday (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290).
– With Dressler’s return, T.J. Thorpe could be the odd man out in the Bombers’ receiving corps this week as it returns to health (Darrin Bauming, TSN).
– August turned out to be a pretty stand-out month for the Bombers, who not only went 4-0 but also swept the Shaw Top Performers with Matt Nichols, Andrew Harris and Maurice Leggett taking home honours (CFL.ca).
– With the Bombers at 7-2 and Matt Nichols at 17-5 since becoming the team’s starting quarterback, there’s little remaining question they are a legitimate Grey Cup contender (Ted Wyman, Winnipeg Sun).
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
– While Zach Collaros has taken his demotion in stride, the Ticats’ star could be looking to prove himself elsewhere in 2018 (Drew Edwards, The Hamilton Spectator).
– Bob Young has issued an apology to Ticats season ticket holders following the hiring of Art Briles, which was reversed on Monday night (The Hamilton Spectator).
– The Ticats have reportedly worked out Johnny Manziel, but what’s next for the team and the former Heisman Trophy winner? (Dave Naylor and Farhan Lalji, TSN).
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Argos defensive end Victor Butler is expected to join the team in Monday’s Labour Day classic (Johany Jutras/Argonauts.ca)
– With Victor Butler and Ken Bishop likely to return on Labour Day, the Argos’ defensive line is becoming a crowded group (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).
– A year after being sidelined with a season-ending injury, S.J. Green was one of four unanimous choices for CFL.ca mid-season all-star selections (CFL.ca).
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
Rick Campbell and the REDBLACKS face a short turnaround before Thursday’s game (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
– William Powell remains sidelined for the Ottawa REDBLACKS as Mossis Madu gets the assignment on Thursday night.
– REDBLACKS receiver Diontae Spencer knows first-hand what those devastated by Hurricane Harvey are going through. Spencer was affected by Hurricane Katrina 12 years ago (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun).
– The REDBLACKS have brought in veteran receiver and former Argo Kevin Elliott, signaling the likelihood of a season-ending injury for Kenny Shaw (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun).
– With four days between games, REDBLACKS coach Rick Campbell says his team isn’t whining about the short turnaround before Montreal (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun).
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Tyrell Sutton is back in the Alouettes’ backfield this week after missing Week 10 (MontrealAlouettes.com)
– The Alouettes will make some significant changes to their defence this week. Departed defensive tackle Ray Drew will be replaced by Davon Walls, making his Als debut, while Tevaughn Campbell will start at field corner in place of Brandon Stewart (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– Also on the injury front, Jovan Olafioye has recovered from the back spasms that sidelined him during last week’s game, while Tyrell Sutton is back in his slot as the starting running back (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– While the numbers don’t back it up, the Alouettes believe they’re getting to the quarterback — opposing pivots are just getting rid of the ball quickly (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– Als quarterback Darian Durant says he’s putting too much pressure on himself and doing too many things out of character as he tries to make a strong first impression in Montreal (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
