The Montreal Alouettes host the Tiger-Cats on June 2nd. There are multiple spots on the depth chart and roster that will be determined in large part by this game.
The game is in Montreal on June 2nd at 7:30 PM Eastern.
Per Joey Alfieri’s Preseason writeup on the Alouette’s website, GM Danny Maciocia mentioned solidifying 4 position groups on Tuesday.
– Selecting the starting American receivers.
– Figuring out who the number two quarterback is going to be.
– Finding a way to keep some of the talented young defensive backs on the roster.
– Determine which Canadian offensive linemen will play against Ottawa on June 10th.
American Receivers
There will likely be 3 starting positions for American receivers and 2 for Canadians.
With Reggie White still injured 2 of the 3 American starting receivers are likely to be Greg Ellingson and Cole Spieker. Ellingson had 5 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2015 to 2019. In 2021 and 2022 he had a production that was on pace for 1,000-yard seasons as well but both seasons were limited due to injury.
Cole Spieker appeared in 3 games last year as a rookie and had 2 starts. In his 2 starts, he had 171 yards and a touchdown.
There are several talented rookies on the roster that are in the mix to earn the position as a starting receiver.
American Rookie Receivers
There are 6 American rookie receivers playing against Hamilton.
WR1 Austin Mack – Ohio State
Remains listed for the 2nd preseason game as a starting wide receiver. Has been practicing with the starters since the start of training camp. Caught 3 passes on 4 targets for 22 yards last week.
WR2 – Quartney Davis
Appears to have moved up the depth chart after being listed as a third-string receiver last week. Caught all 5 of his targets for a team-high of 5 receptions and 50 yards last week and a nice touchdown in which he went up over a defender.
WR3 – Trevon Clark – California
Was listed as a 2nd string slotback last week. Had a quieter night last week catching his only target for 21 yards last week. Will be looking to make an impact today to climb back up the depth chart.
SB1 – Keshunn Abram
Was listed as a 2nd-string wide receiver last week and has moved up into a starting spot for this preseason game. Has been working with the starters at various times through training camp. Caught one of his 4 targets for 6 yards last week.
SB2 – John Brunner
Brunner was listed as a third-string slotback last week and this week is listed as a 2nd string. Caught all 4 of his targets last week for 59 yards.
WR2 – Tyler Snead
Was listed as a starting slotback last week. Has worked with the starting group at different times in training camp. Had the most targets last week being targeted 7 times of which he had 3 receptions for 25 yards.
Quarterback Pecking Order
The depth chart remains in the same order as it was last week for quarterbacks behind starter Cody Fajardo. It seems all three of the other quarterbacks have an opportunity to win the role of backup quarterback.
QB2 – Caleb Evans
Completed 67% of his passes completing 10 of 15 for 78 yards. Added 7 yards on 3 rushes.
QB3 – Davis Alexander
Completed 71% of his passes completing 10 of 14 for 115 yards and a touchdown. Added 9 yards on 3 rushes.
QB4 – Mike Glass III
Completed 71% of his passes completing 5 of 7 for 47 yards. Added 3 yards on 1 rush. Orchestrated the final drive which saw Jose Maltos kick the game-winning field goal.
Runningbacks
The runningback depth order is similar to the way the season ended last year with the difference being A.J. Rose is listed in the third-string spot ahead of Jeshrun Antwi for this preseason.
Offensive Line
The Alouettes are fortunate to have all their offensive line starters returning this year. Sean Jamieson who was the starting center last year and David Brown who was the second-string center last year are both on the six-game injured list. The Alouettes signed Justin Lawrence earlier in the offseason who started nearly every game at center for Toronto last year and was an East Division All-Star.
Nick Callender (LT), Pier-Olivier Lestage (LG), Kristian Matte (RG), and Landon Rice (RT) were all starters in those positions last year and are starting today.
Canadians such as Patrick Davis who was the backup left guard last year, Redeem Brown who was a 2nd-round pick in 2022, and Theor Grant who was a 4th-round pick in 2023 are all looking to secure their spot on the team.
Americans Jamar McGloster who was on the practice roster for 15 games last year and rookie Matt Dale will be looking to play well in what is a very important game for them.
Defensive Backs
In the backfield, it seems likely that there are 2 starter spots open in the defensive backfield. 3 returning players from last year are likely to continue starting this year with Nafees Lyon at cornerback, West Sutton at defensive back, and Marc-Antoine Dequoy at free safety.
2 new players to Montreal are starting in this game. Ciante Evans is starting at DB who had 12 starts in 14 games playing for Hamilton last year. Dionte Ruffin is starting as a cornerback who was with Calgary last year during which he had 9 starts, missed 3 games to injury, and was on the practice roster for 7 games.
It will be an important game, especially for players Kabion Ento, Ja’Len Embry, Reggie Stubblefield, Kordell Rodgers, and JR Reed who are aiming to show that they belong on the final roster.
2023 CFL Draft Picks Playing Tonight
Round 1, Selection #7: Lwal Uguak, DL, TCU
Uguak attended 2 NFL rookie camps prior to signing with Montreal. Had one of Montreal’s 2 sacks last week. Listed as 2nd string right-side defensive end tonight.
Round 2, Selection #13: David Dallaire, FB, Laval
Dallaire is listed as the 3rd string fullback tonight. He was the RSEQ Offensive All-Star in 2022 and 2021. Last week he had 2 receptions for 14 yards.
Round 4, Selection #32: Theo Grant, OL, Queen’s
Grant is listed 3rd string at right guard. He was a second-team U Sports All-Canadian guard in 2022.
Round 5, Selection #39: Jacob Mason, FB, McMaster
Listed as tonight’s fourth-string fullback.
Round 5, Selection #41: Shedler Fervius, WR, Saint Mary’s
Listed a third-string slotback. Playing in his first game this preseason. He has only played 4 games since 2019 as he was academically ineligible last year, limited to 4 games in 2021 due to injury, and the 2020 season was canceled due to covid.
Round 8, Selection #68, Maxym Lavallée, DB, Laval
Lavallée is listed as the 2nd string-free safety. He was a four-year starter at Laval where he was an RSEQ Defensive All-Star in 2022.
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