The Montreal Alouettes (10-2) will kick-off their three-game road trip with a stop in Calgary on Saturday night. The Stampeders (4-8) have dropped four in a row including back-to-back games against the Edmonton Elks.
The Als will also be getting some reinforcements on offence ahead of this game.
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Here’s everything you need to know about this matchup:
Kaion Julien-Grant & Tyler Snead return:
This team has been decimated by injuries at every position but in particular at receiver. In last week’s game against the BC Lions, they were without Austin Mack, Tyson Philpot, Julien-Grant and Snead. Thankfully, two of the four will return on Saturday night.
Julien-Grant has missed the last six games due to a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old has 26 receptions for 288 yards and one touchdown in six games. His best performance came in a Week 3 win against the Ottawa Redblacks when he finished with eight catches for 116 yards.
“I’m excited,” he said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’ve been waiting for too long. It feels like it’s a repeat of last year almost where I’m just out and just waiting to come back. I’m just excited to be back on the field with the guys.
“It’s definitely frustrating. It’ll make or break you. You just have to roll with the punches, but now I’m here and I’m ready to go.”
Snead suffered a foot injury in the second half of the first game of the season in Winnipeg. The 24-year-old had 788 yards on 56 catches in just 15 games. Before exiting the game against the Bombers, he had 62 yards receiving.
“It definitely wasn’t ideal,” Snead said of being hurt in Week 1. “It’s not something I planned on, but it’s part of life and it happened…It was definitely tough though missing that many games. It’s the first time in my career that I missed games. It was different for me. It gave me a different perspective on the game, watching it, and the week of preparation. It was tough for me. I prayed a lot and talked to my family. I’m ready to go and I feel good.”
He looked poised for a big season, especially based on his performance in training camp this year. Snead regularly found a way to get open. It really looked like he was going to take the next step in 2024. There’s still time for him to make a major impact this season, especially down the stretch with the team looking to clinch top spot in the East.
Marc-Antoine Dequoy OUT:
Unfortunately for the Als, it’s not all good news on the injury front. Safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy will miss the game with a head injury. Look for rookie Arthur Hamlin to see more work at that position in Calgary.
Hamlin was drafted in the third round of the 2024 CFL Draft out of Colgate University. The 24-year-old missed the first six games of the year due to injury. He’s played in six games primarily on special teams.
“All my life I’ve played free safety down south,” the Ottawa native said. “Now, coming to Canadian football, they only have the free safety so, naturally, it fit in as my position. I’ve been taking reps there and at SAM linebacker throughout my time with Montreal. I’m feeling good and ready to go. I’m ready for the moment.
He has four special teams tackles so far this year.
