Sherbrooke – After their annual intra-squad game on Saturday and a meeting-packed day on Sunday, the Montreal Alouettes were back on Coulter Field at Bishop’s University on Monday. Despite the miserable weather conditions, the players did not skimp on intensity during the two practice sessions, staying focused on the preparation for their first preseason game, which is only three days away.
Durant Returns
The players had a reason to be enthusiastic, as their quarterback and leader Darian Durant was back on the field, taking part in both practices. Durant was held out of practices as of late for precautionary reasons, but looked to be in fine form on Monday. As usual, the venerable field general didn’t miss a beat, hitting his receivers with hard, precise passes.
When asked about how he felt, Durant was optimistic, and happy to get back into the rhythm of things. “It felt good to get out there in a game simulation-type atmosphere. We’ll keep progressing. It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of the game and it happens. You can’t think about that as you go forward; you just have to play and hope for the best,” said the quarterback following the morning practice.
Head coach Jacques Chapdelaine was also pleased to see his star quarterback return to the field. “Darian was on the field. He’s limited a bit, but he can take part in sessions that don’t involve contact between the offensive and defensive lines. He’s moving really well and things look good. He’s where we thought he could be right now. Like we said, it wasn’t a serious injury, but we want to make sure that the measures are in place to allow him to return to game form. This week will be very good for him to get a feel for things again,” said the coach.
Even though Durant was back on the field, Chapdelaine announced that the number one quarterback will not be playing in the team’s first preseason game in Toronto on Thursday. Exactly one week after that matchup, the Alouettes will have their first chance to strut their stuff in front of their fans in a last preseason game against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The game will be played at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Thursday, June 15, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game are available on www.MontrealAlouettes.com or by calling 514-787-2525.
Transactions
The Alouettes announced that they have added international defensive tackle Daniel Awoleke (6’5″, 295 lbs.) to the roster. He recorded 58 defensive tackles, seven of which were for losses, and three sacks in 26 career games with the University of South Florida Bulls. He will join his teammates on the field on Tuesday. The Alouettes also released international receiver Tavon Gatlin on Monday.
Upcoming schedule
Below is the schedule for the upcoming days.
Tuesday, June 6
2:45 p.m. – Practice, followed by media availability on the field
Wednesday, June 7
10:30 a.m. – Walkthrough at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field.
8:15 p.m. – Departure from Sherbrooke airport aboard charter plane
9:15 p.m. – Scheduled arrival in Toronto
Thursday, June 8
7:30 p.m. – The Montreal Alouettes visit the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field (TSN690 and 98,5 fm)
Friday, June 9
12:15 a.m. – Departure from Toronto
2:00 a.m. – Scheduled arrival in Sherbrooke
Team meetings – No media availability
