The Montreal Alouettes will put their 2-0 record to the test in their home opener on Thursday night against the Ottawa Redblacks. The Als kicked off the 2024 campaign with wins in Winnipeg and Edmonton, while the Redblacks beat the Blue Bombers last week.
If you’re coming to the stadium, make sure to arrive early because the organization will be unveiling the 2023 Grey Cup championship banner prior to kick-off.
Jason Maas’ squad will be making some changes to their lineup. So, here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s game.
Reggie White Jr. is back:
For the first time since Oct. 2022, receiver Reggie White Jr. will make his return to the lineup. That’s 620 days between games. The veteran underwent knee surgery after suffering a serious knee injury against the Redblacks two seasons ago.
The 28-year-old had an impressive 53 receptions for 722 yards and two touchdowns. He was the second leading receiver on the team behind Geno Lewis at the time of his injury.
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White Jr. will be coming into the lineup for Jose Barbon, who made his Alouettes debut in Edmonton last week.
“It’s been a long journey,” White Jr. said on Tuesday. “It’s a blessing. I thank God, my family, my teammates and the organization for sticking by my side through the rough times. I took a year off just to get my body back right. I suffered a rib injury in camp, so just to feel healthy again is a blessing.
“I had some doubts (that this day would come). You have your good days and your bad days…there were definitely some rough patches, but I’m glad I got through it.”
Dylan Wynn to make Als debut:
After two weeks on the injured list because of a lower-body injury, defensive tackle Dylan Wynn will suit up in his first game as a member of the Alouettes.
The 31-year-old was signed as a free agent from Hamilton last winter. Wynn is a Grey Cup champion with Toronto in 2017, a CFL All-Star in 2019 and a three-time East Division All-Star in 2017, 2019 and 2021).
“I like working with these guys,” Wynn admitted.
“I always stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready…did it suck not playing and practicing? Absolutely. I don’t think it was difficult to stay into it mentally. I’m learning every day and trying to absorb the most I can. I didn’t take a step back in that process. It was just physical. So, I’m glad to tie all that in together.”
Head-to-head vs. Ottawa:
In four matchups against the Redblacks last season, the Alouettes came away with four victories. They outscored them 105-54 in those four contests, and Ottawa only managed to score more than 15 points once.
None of that matters in 2024. It’s a new season, there are new players on both sides and a lot has happened since the last time they faced off. Still, it goes to show how dominant the Alouettes and their defence were against their rivals in 2023.
