CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — There are still plenty of storylines to watch as the season enters Week 7. We look at the latest around the league, including a new kicker in Ottawa and a familiar face no longer with the Riders, in the latest edition of Checking Down.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- The REDBLACKS released kicker Delbert Alvarado and signed Chris Milo. It was an endorsement from Henry Burris and his Canadian passport that helped Milo wind up in Ottawa. Milo thinks the REDBLACKS are ‘a perfect fit’.
- One of the team’s most prized off-season acquisitions was the signing of receiver Chris Williams. He sits third in receiving yards and is living up to his billing.
- The rushing game has not been a strong point for the REDBLACKS this season as the team sits last in rushing yards per game. The Ottawa Sun examines the team’s runnning back situation and how they can improve on their performance.
Montreal Alouettes
- The Montreal Gazette breaks down the Alouettes’ road loss to the Stamps and how Rakeem Cato shined when the pressure was at its highest, even in defeat.
- Brandon Rutley has been waiting patiently for his time to shine with the Alouettes this season. The opportunity could come as soon as Friday night.
- Dobson Collins’ fumble in crunch time of last week’s loss resulted in many fingers being pointed in his direction.He remains with the team but will be placed on the practice roster after the return of Fred Stamps.
BC Lions
- Lowell Ullrich of The Province believes that a predictable offence, defensive troubles and too many penalties have been holding back the Lions this season.
- Defensive tackle was credited with one sack against the Bombers but feels like he should’ve been awarded another. Brooks made the second sack with his helmet off, which is against the rules, and was flagged for a penalty because of it.
- The Lions have given Andrew Harris a heavy workload so far this season and the running back is perfectly okay with his increased role in the offence.
- According to head coach Jeff Tedford, everyone is responsible for the Lions rough start this season. He is defending quarterback Travis Lulay, who has come under some scrutiny after throwing three interceptions in the loss to Winnipeg.
Edmonton Eskimos
- The team signed defensive lineman Shomari Williams to the practice roster. He was the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. Williams is eager to jump right into the Battle of Alberta.
- After being benched in the previous game, quarterback Matt Nichols responded with a two touchdown, 300-yard performance against the Riders. He’s feeling more comfortable and has earned the trust of his teammates.
- Edmonton will be without starting running back Shakir Bell (concussion) and receiver Nate Coehoorn (shoulder) for Thursday’s game. Chad Simpson and Devon Bailey will start in their places.
Calgary Stampeders
- Losing two seasons in a row because of a ruptured Achilles tendon can be tough but Max Caron is staying postive. He jokes that he’s using his downtime to prepare for the upcoming fantasy football season.
- The Calgary Sun handed out Game Balls and Bricks following the Stampeders win over the Alouettes.
- The Stampeders enter their bye week on a high note after a victory. However, the team knows there is plenty of work to be done as well as some possible roster shuffling with players return from injury.
- It is no secret that Calgary’s offensive line has taken a few hits due to injury this season. The Stampeders avoided some bad news, as it appears left tackle Garry Williams will be good to go following the team’s bye week. He left last week’s game with a hyperextended right elbow.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
- The Riders have signed former University of Alabama quarterback Blake Sims to the practice roster. Sims had been in training camp with the Argos but did not see any pre-season action.
- Jamel Richardson has left the Riders. No official explanation has been given for the move. “He’s no longer with the team at this point right now. I can’t tell you exactly what his status is. It’ll be more of an update in the next 24 hours. We have talked with him about being able to move forward,” said Chamblin to News Talk 650.
- Saskatchewan’s general manager Brendan Taman confirmed that Corey Chamblin will remain as the team’s head coach despite the team’s 0-6 start. There had been rumours that Chamblin would be relieved of his duties.
- Even though they have yet to win a game, the little things are adding up for the Riders. The Leader-Post highlights some examples of the positives from the season so far.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Darvin Adams is quick to give credit to his teammates for his emergence this season. He leads the club with 320 receiving yards.
- The Winnipeg Sun breaks down Demond Washington’s key interception against the Lions and what his role on the team has been this season.
- The Bombers made some minor roster moves on Monday.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- The Ticats lost CJ Gable and Andy Fantuz to injury in Monday night’s win over the Argonauts.
- There is a report that the Ticats will be bringing back running back Nic Grigsby. He was released last month after struggling with injuries.
Toronto Argonauts
- The Argonauts boosted the team’s receiving corps in the off-season, bringing in many new faces who also happen to be CFL rookies. The moves have paid dividends.
- It hasn’t taken Cory Greenwood long to re-adjust to the CFL game. Now in his first full season with the Argonauts after a few years down south, he reflects on the differences between the two football leagues.
- Toronto could be without some key players against the Riders as the status of Chad Owens, Jeff Keeping and Anthony Coombs remains up in the air.
