Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The playoff picture continues to narrow down ever-so-gradually. The Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts have both been officially eliminated from playoff contention following losses by both teams over the long weekend.
In Winnipeg, Weston Dressler left practice after a tie-up in a 12-on-12 drill. After leaving practice for a brief moment, the veteran receiver returned only to not participate in the remainder of the practice.
On the West Coast, it’s expected that Travis Lulay and Tyrell Sutton will both be making their way into the starting lineup for the Lions this week against Calgary.
All this and more in the latest from Checking Down:
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
Both Travis Lulay and Tyrell Sutton are expected to start for the Lions in Week 18. (Patrick Doyle, CFL.ca)
– Solomon Elimimian isn’t quite ready yet to return from injury. He’s hoping to be ready next week and be able to get 1-2 games in before playoffs start. (Farhan Lalji, TSN)
– Travon Van has been released by the Lions. The move was announced by the team on Tuesday. (CFL Staff)
– Davon Coleman had two interceptions in the Lions win over the Argonauts in Week 17, setting him up to be awarded as a Top Performer. (CFL Staff)
– QB Travis Lulay and RB Tyrell Sutton are both expected to start for the Lions this week against the Stampeders. (Farhan Lalji, TSN)
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Mike Reilly and the Eskimos continue their downward spiral as their playoff hopes draw dim with just three games remaining. (The Canadian Press)
– The Edmonton Eskimos continue their fall in the CFL Power Rankings as their playoff hopes draw dim with just three games remaining in their schedule. (CFL Staff)
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
The Calgary Stampeders could clinch first place in the West Division with a win paired with a Saskatchewan loss in Week 18. (Adam Gagnon, CFL.ca)
– The Calgary Stampeders hold down a home playoff date and are on the cusp of sealing the West. (CFL Staff)
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Willie Jefferson receives Top Performer honours following his performance against the Eskimos in Week 17. (Arthur Ward, CFL.ca)
– Willie Jefferson gets named Top Performer for Week 17. The Riders defensive lineman’s game was capped off with a crucial interception in the final minutes of the game, setting up Saskatchewan to get the points they needed to win. (CFL Staff)
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Weston Dressler was involved in a tie up at practice on Wednesday, resulting in the receiver momentarily leaving practice. He would return later but not participate. (Johany Jutras, CFL.ca)
– Jackson Jeffcoat returned to practice, however, it was simply to ‘check things out’ according to Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290)
– Weston Dressler gets tangled up during a 12-on-12 drill at practice on Wednesday. He momentarily left practice but returned shortly after. He did not participate once he returned. (Jeff Hamilton, Winnipeg Free Press)
– Winnipeg adds two defensive linemen in Marcell Frazier and Patrick Choudja to their practice roster. (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290)
– Following his 132-yard performance on the weekend, Andrew Harris was recognized as a Top Performer for Week 17. (CFL Staff)
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
– Ticats sign Terrell Sinkfield. The former Ticat spent time in the NFL as a defensive back but will make the transition back to receiver for Hamilton as they deal with injuries. (David Naylor, TSN)
– Terrence Toliver officially gets placed on the team’s six-game injury list. Joins fellow receivers Jalen Saunders, Chris Williams, and Shamawd Chambers, all of whom are currently on the six-game. (Louis Butko, TSN 1150)
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
– Argos’ SJ Green has been receiving trade interest leading up to the league’s trade deadline. (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation)
– James Franklin will be starting at quarterback for the Argonauts this week against the Ticats. Marc Trestman confirmed this on Tuesday. (Mike Hogan, Argonauts.ca)
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell is hopeful that safety Antoine Pruneau will be healthy and ready for this week’s game against Edmonton. (Johany Jutras, CFL.ca)
– Lewis Ward sets CFL record for most consecutive field goals. (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)
– Nolan MacMillan is expected to be out this week against the Eskimos after the offensive lineman was placed on the six-game injury list a week ago. (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)
– Antoine Pruneau’s availability still up in the air as Rick Campbell says the likelihood of him playing against Edmonton this week is ’50-50′. (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)
– William Powell didn’t participate in practice on Tuesday, however, head coach Rick Campbell fully expects him to be available and ready for the REDBLACKS’ game against the Eskimos this week. (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)
– With Pruneau out, Anthony Cioffi shifted from linebacker to safety with the starting unit for practice on Tuesday. (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
The Montreal Alouettes have been eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to the Stampeders on Monday. (Johany Jutras, CFL.ca)
– The Montreal Alouettes have been eliminated from playoff contention following their loss to the Stampeders on Monday. (Didier Ormejuste, RDS)
