Preview: Davis Alexander returns vs. Stampeders
The Montreal Alouettes (7-7-0) will finally welcome starting quarterback Davis Alexander back to the starting lineup when they host the Calgary Stampeders (8-5-0) on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. ET. Alexander has been out since July 17 due to a hamstring injury.
Even though he only suited up in two-and-a-half games in June, he was still chosen as the offensive player of the month in the CFL. The 26-year-old has never lost a game as a starting quarterback (he’s 8-0-0).
“I felt good and confident [in practice],” Alexander said after Tuesday’s on-field session. “It’s just part of making sure you’re staying locked into the process the whole time. I’ve been out for nine weeks. It’s fun to be out here with the guys. I love playing football.”
Even without Alexander, the Als have found a way to win back-to-back games coming into this one. Their last two victories have come on the road in Regina and Toronto.
As for the Stampeders, quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was limited all week because of a back injury. He’s expected to start, but it will be interesting to see if the injury hampers his mobility at all.
Stamps backup quarterback P.J. Walker suffered a season-ending arm injury last week against the B.C. Lions. His season is over.
Here’s what you need to know about the rest of the matchup:
Tiger Shanks makes first CFL start
Head coach Jason Maas is making a ratio change on the offensive line this week. The fifth overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, Tiger Shanks, will make his first career professional start. The 23-year-old took reps at right tackle this week. He’ll replace American Jamar McGloster at that position.
Shanks spent his college career at UNLV, where he made 51 starts in the NCAA.
“I’m excited and ready to show what I can do,” Shanks said. “I feel like I’ve been patient. The coaching staff has allowed me a lot of valuable time to get more reps in and get more comfortable and feel the speed of the game. I feel ready.”
Shanks will be playing next to Donny Ventrelli, who is the starting right guard. The two haven’t played much together, but they have a pretty close bond.
“Donny and I have a really good relationship,” mentioned Shanks. “He actually took me fishing when I first got here. It was just me, him and our little fishing guide. It was pretty fun to get to know him.”
Changes to the roster:
The Als will be making several changes coming into this game. On top of Alexander, the Als will be welcoming back Cole Spieker, Dionte Ruffin, Ciante Evans and Arthur Hamlin back into the lineup. Rookie M.J. Sherman will also get an opportunity to come off the edge on Friday night. Canadians Cyrille Hogan-Saindon and Riley MacLeod will also make their return.
Starting kick-returner James Letcher Jr. will miss the game. He’s dealing with a lower-body injury. Expect Tyson Philpot and Eno Benjamin to take over the return duties.
Najee Murray will be a game-time decision.
