CP Images
CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — The final stretch of the season is just beginning as Week 14 approaches. We look at the latest around the league in the latest edition of Checking Down.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- The Ottawa Sun interviewed general manager Marcel Desjardins on the progress of his team so far this season.
BC Lions
- The Lions enter Week 14 with three rookie quarterbacks on the depth chart following the injury to John Beck. Head coach Jeff Tedford expects Beck to be out for ‘a lengthy period of time.’
- Repeating mistakes and taking ‘too many dumb penalties’ are plaguing the Lions according to general manager Wally Buono. BC has many new faces on defence and new schemes that were brought in by the rookie head coach Tedford.
- BC has signed former Eskimos’ linebacker Rennie Curran.
- Friday’s loss to Calgary put a dent in the Lions’ playoff hopes but the team showed signs of hope going forward. Jonathon Jennings was poised when he was sprung into action after Beck was hurt and his teammates believe in him.
Edmonton Eskimos
- The team has traded kick returner/wide receiver Skye Dawson to the Stampeders for a conditional exchange of draft picks.
- Are the Edmonton Eskimos the favourite to win the Grey Cup? Many fans would disagree, but a computer simulation gives them the highest odds at 33.45 per cent — a narrow edge over the Ticats and Stampeders.
Calgary Stampeders
- Jamar Wall is building off of his all-star season last year and continuing his excellence in the Stampeders’ defensive backfield. He is tied for sixth in the elague with 55 tackles.
- After missing the last four games with a turf-toe injury, receiver Joe West in nearing a return.
- Despite boasting a strong defensive secondary entering last off-season, the Stampeders still opted to sign defensive back Joe Burnett. It’s a move that’s paid dividends for Calgary.
- It was announced that the team has cut Nathan Slaughter.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
- The Roughriders have not given up hope despite dwindling playoff chances. “We’re still working towards it and the guys in the locker-room haven’t given up. Everyone knows their vitality is on the line and you know they’re giving their best,” said John Chick.
- It’s been an up-and-down season for Paul Woldu. After being cut following training camp, Woldu was brought back onto the practice roster before suiting up earlier in the season.
- Kevin Glenn’s return under centre brought consistency back to the offence yet the team suffered another narrow loss, the Riders’ seventh game that was dropped by four points or fewer this season.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- The Bombers and DB Bruce Johnson have agreed on a contract extension. The team has also signed linebacker Ian Wilid and released Jasper Simmons.
- General manager Kyle Walters has shot down rumours that he will be leaving the organization.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- The team has lost Zach Collaros for the remainder of the season following an ACL tear. The Ticats will move forward with Jeff Mathews at quarterback.
- Collaros is understandably upset with his injury but intends on remaining close with the team during his recovery.
Toronto Argonauts
- Scott Milanovich revealed that kicker Swayze Waters could be out for the rest of the regular season. The team has signed kicker Michael Palardy to the practice roster and he’s ready for high-pressure situations.
- While the Argos’ home game has been moved to TD Place in Ottawa, that stadium really was home for Brendan Gillanders. He played some of his college football there as well as his first CFL game.
Montreal Alouettes
- The Alouettes were nearly without centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain after he left the team to be with his wife as they welcomed the couple’s first-born child. He rushed to Molson Stadium with 30 minutes to spare after fighting traffic jams and road closures.
- Jonathan Crompton’s return sparked the Alouettes to victory as the team posted a season-high in points (35) over Winnipeg. The stats may not always be pretty but Crompton gets the job done.
