CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — There are still plenty of storylines to watch as the season enters Week 12. We look at the latest around the league in the latest edition of Checking Down.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- The team officially signed free agent defensive lineman Shawn Lemon.
- The REDBLACKS are in good shape to make the playoffs. They are aided by a second half schedule that features many teams currently sitting with losing records.
BC Lions
- After initially believing the injury wasn’t serious, Travis Lulay confirmed that he has a strained MCL and he isexpected to miss three-to-six weeks. The spotlight now shines on John Beck but it may be worth it for the Lions to see what they have in Jonathon Jennings.
- Many were surprised to see the Lions cut both Stefan Logan and Tim Brown in the off-season. Lowell Ullrich of The Province hasn’t seen the benefit of those moves, as the team is now struggling to fill the role of kick returner.
- BC’s win over Montreal quieted some of the drama surrounding the team as some had been calling for a coaching change.
Edmonton Eskimos
- The good news for Mike Reilly and the Eskimos is that his previously injured knee felt the same as it did before he made his surprise return in the Labour Day game and that he wants to start Saturday’s rematch. Meanwhile, the team is hoping that Reilly’s return will help refocus the receivers, who have struggled with dropping passes this season.
- Jordan Lynch may sit third on the team’s quarterback depth chart but he has found new life this season on the team’s special teams unit.
- National offensive lineman Matthew O’Donnell is returning to the Eskimos after trying out for an NFL team.
- After blowing a chance to tie the Stampeders for top spot in the West, the onus is now all on the Eskimos on Saturday to keep pace with their rival.
Calgary Stampeders
- Despite sitting alone atop the standings, the Stampeders are still being overlooked. They have beaten every team at least once this season, except for the Lions who they have yet to play.
- Tim Brown is headed to the six-game injured list. Nate Slaughter will dress in his place.
- The team is confident that Jon Cornish will be ready to go when the team takes on BC on September 18.
- There was only one touchdown scored in Monday’s game and it belonged to Greg Wilson. The rookie had his parents and girlfriend at McMahon Stadium to witness the special moment.
- Bryant Moniz has taken over short-yardage duties from Drew Tate.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Andre Monroe quickly won over Roughriders’ fans with his unqiue celebration after recording a sack.
- The weight has been lifted off of Saskatchewan’s shoulders after the team recorded its first win.
- The team has released receiver Korey Williams.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- The team could be without one of its top defensive players for the rest of the season as Chris Randle has suffered a knee injury.
- It was revealed that newly acquired Matt Nichols will start for the Bombers in the Banjo Bowl.
- Winnipeg’s special teams coordinator Pat Tracey has been dismissed.
- Head coach Mike O’Shea is standing by offensive coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille. “I don’t know that changing offensive co-ordinators is the answer right now, we have to stick with this process.”
- The injury to Drew Willy hasn’t allowed for a true indication of what the Bombers really have on the roster.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Emanuel Davis had to beat the odds multiple times on his journey to playing professional football.
- The Ticats defence has built a ‘killer instinct’ on their way to ‘taking no prisoners’.
Toronto Argonauts
- It won’t be a pleasant experience but Scott Milanovich said he was anxious to review the film following the team’s loss on Labour Day.
Montreal Alouettes
- Montreal continued shuffling personnel on the sidelines, dismissing Turk Schonert while promoting Anthony Calvillo and Ryan Dinwiddie to co-offensive coordinators. Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette thinks that Calvillo’s new position is risky for someone who has never coached before this season.
