Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — While Duron Carter has a new position, the recently-eliminated Hamilton Tiger-Cats don’t plan on changing anything.
Plus, two familiar running backs are expected back in the lineup this week, led by breakout rookie James Wilder Jr.
Finally, what’s the latest on the injury situation in Winnipeg?
More in this week’s Checking Down:
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
Shaq Johnson has broken the 500-yard mark in just his second season in the league (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
– Despite his 5-foot-10 stature, Shaq Johnson has emerged as one of the league’s most promising sophomore receivers (Cam Tucker, Vancouver Province).
– While the Lions’ playoff hopes remain in the balance, being eliminated could mean playing time for bench players like LB Dyshawn Davis, DL Luther Maddy and RB/WR Tyler Davis, among others (Lowell Ullrich, 3 Down Nation).
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
– If C.J. Gable’s addition hasn’t entirely transformed the Esks’ offence, it’s certainly made an impact at the least (Gerry Moddejonge, Edmonton Journal).
– While Arjen Colquhoun has a strong chance to return to the lineup, OL Joel Figueroa and DB Chris Edwards may not play after missing two straight practices (Dave Campbell, CHED).
– Former Eskimos linebacker Deon Lacey has been released by the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, making him free to sign with a CFL team (Dave Campbell, CHED).
– The Eskimos will also have Vidal Hazelton back in the lineup at receiver. Hazelton has been out since Week 9 vs. Winnipeg (Esks.com).
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
– The Stampeders will be without veteran receiver Marquay McDaniel on Friday night, who will likely be replaced in the lineup by DaVaris Daniels (Daniel Austin, Calgary Herald).
– Is Alex Singleton a threat to win three major individual player awards come November? Teammate Josh Bell says the sophomore linebacker should win MOP (George Johnson, Stampeders.com).
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
– Riders quarterback Brandon Bridge says Commissioner Randy Ambrosie will meet with him in the off-season to discuss national quarterbacks and the ratio (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation).
– Days after rumours emerged that Duron Carter might be suspended, the Riders’ receiver is listed as the starting cornerback on the team’s depth chart (CFL.ca).
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
– After a month on the Bombers’ practice roster, former NFL receiver Chris Givens is expected to make his CFL debut this week in Toronto (Bob Irving, CJOB).
– While Brian Walker was shaken up after an accidental hit from Taylor Loffler last week, the Bombers’ rookie DB appears good to go for Saturday (Bob Irving, CJOB).
– Even if the Bombers cement their final playoff positioning this weekend, it appears Andrew Harris will play right to the end of the season and get a chance to reach the 1,000/1,000 milestone (National Post).
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Despite elimination, the Ticats don’t plan on starting Zach Collaros this season (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
– Despite being mathematically eliminated, the Ticats aren’t changing their approach to the last few weeks of the season — including at quarterback (Drew Edwards, 3 Down Nation).
– While Jeremiah Masoli may continue to start for the Ticats, one columnist argues the team needs to get a closer look at Zach Collaros in the season’s dwindling weeks (Drew Edwards, 3 Down Nation).
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
The Argos are expecting to have James Wilder Jr. back in the lineup for Saturday’s game (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
– Nothing’s been confirmed, but James Wilder Jr. has been cleared to play in Week 18, while defensive tackle Jeff Finley could also return to the lineup (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).
– How did the Argos go from winning five games to competing for the East Division title? Jim Popp reflects on the work put in over the last eight months (Peter Kenter, PostMedia Content Works).
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
Trevor Harris’ strong play in October has the REDBLACKS back in the post-season (The Canadian Press)
– After a comeback win over the Riders and a clinched playoff spot, Trevor Harris weighs in on what’s to come over the next few weeks before the post-season (TSN 1200).
– With two straight come-from-behind road wins, it appears the Ottawa REDBLACKS are a solid favourite to win the East (CFL.ca).
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Tiquan Underwood was released by the Alouettes, the team announced Wednesday (The Canadian Press)
– Kavis Reed says his off-season priorities as a GM will be making the team younger and hiring a head coach who can be the face of the franchise with strong leadership and teaching abilities (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– After missing the last two games, Darian Durant has returned to taking first-team reps for the Montreal Alouettes (Didier Orméjuste, RDS).
– Meanwhile, with an eye on evaluation over the final few weeks, the Als have released linebacker Dominique Tovell and receiver Tiquan Underwood (CFL.ca).
