5 Newcomers to Watch in the Preseason Opener
Every year, players who are new to the CFL find a way to earn a spot on their respective teams’ rosters. A lot of the hard work is done during training camp practices, but those players usually deliver statement performances in preseason games.
The Alouettes will be back on the field Friday night at home against the Ottawa REDBLACKS in their first exhibition game of 2026.
Which newcomers might stand out in that game? Here are five players to keep an eye on Friday night.
#18 – Arnaud Desjardins – QB
We’re not exactly sure how much Desjardins will play because he only signed with the Als on Monday, but he’s definitely involved in a battle for the third quarterback spot behind Davis Alexander and Dustin Crum.
The Alouettes cut quarterbacks E.J. Perry and Dresser Winn after three days of camp and added Desjardins and James Morgan.
If the two-time RSEQ MVP can be anywhere near as poised as he was with the Laval Rouge et Or during his collegiate career, he’ll give himself a real shot to make his hometown team.
#21 – Phillip Brooks – WR/KR
Brooks isn’t entirely new to the CFL, as he played three games with Hamilton and B.C. in 2025, but he is new to the Alouettes.
The 26-year-old has received plenty of reps at receiver with the second-team offence and has worked as the primary returner while DeVonte Dedmon has been dealing with an injury over the last few days.
The five-foot-seven, 171-pounder has game-breaking speed, and his hands have been reliable throughout camp. There’s no doubt he has the talent to play in the CFL, but he must put it all together in a game situation.
#51 – Kylan Guidry – DL
The Alouettes signed Guidry back in November.
The Western Kentucky product will compete for a spot as an edge rusher on the team. The Als currently deploy Canadians at both defensive end spots, but there is room for an American rotational player to start the year. Guidry could be that guy.
He brings speed and intensity off the edge. If he can get after the quarterback in these back-to-back exhibition games against Ottawa, he’ll have a strong shot at earning a spot.
#84 – Terique Owens – WR
Owens is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens.
Owens spent the previous two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers but didn’t appear in any regular-season games.
The 26-year-old offers something the current group of starting receivers doesn’t have — size. He’s listed at six-foot-two and 193 pounds. There are several new American receivers to watch, but someone will really need to stand out to unseat one of the current starters: Alex Hollins, Jerreth Sterns, Cole Spieker, Tyler Snead, or Tyson Philpot.
#95 – Daniel Wise – DL
At 30 years old, Wise is a little older than the typical CFL rookie, but he has a legitimate shot at making the roster.
Mustafa Johnson, who missed most of last season with knee and shoulder injuries, won’t play in the first preseason game. Wise should get ample opportunity to make an impact in the trenches Friday night.
The six-foot-three, 285-pound defensive tackle spent parts of four seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs.
There are openings at defensive tackle following the departures of Dylan Wynn and Shawn Oakman, so two strong preseason performances could go a long way toward solidifying his place on the team.
