CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — The Ticats will welcome back one of their top receivers back for Week 15. We look at the latest around the league in the latest edition of Checking Down.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- Special teams continues to be a concern for the REDBLACKS as the team has yet to find a full solution to their problems in that area.
- The offensive line is sharing the blame for the REDBLACKS loss that saw Jeremiah Johnson rush for just 32 yards and Henry Burris sacked three times. Yet the team has no time to dwell on the loss as they have only three days of practice before facing the Alouettes.
Montreal Alouettes
- Rakeem Cato will start over Jonathan Crompton when Montreal faces Ottawa on Thursday.
BC Lions
- Richie Leone picked a ‘bad day to have a bad day’ after missing his lone field goal attempt and a point-after attempt in the Lions’ loss to the Esks.
- The Lions and Andrew Harris are still awaiting word on the results of the star running back’s MRI after he left last week’s game in the first quarter.
- In the midst of a tight playoff race the Lions can’t afford moral victories. Despite a strong debut from Jonathon Jennings, the team blew a second half lead for the fifth team this season.
- BC has activated quarterback Travis Lulay from the six-game injured list.
Edmonton Eskimos
- Nate Coehoorn will remain will the Eskimos through 2018 after the two sides agreed to a contract extension.
- After tying a career-high in sacks in a game with two, defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, he of a 6-6, 245 pound frame, opened some eyes when he pulled off a backflip celebration.
- The Eskimos will square off against a familiar face in Week 15 as the team travels to Winnipeg to face Matt Nichols and the Bombers. Mike Reilly has nothing but praise for his former teammate.
Calgary Stampeders
- It was revealed that defensive back Joe Burnett and lineback Juwan Simpson will both miss extended amounts of time with injuries. Calgary signed former REDBLACKS defensive back Brandon McDonald to the practice roster and he is relishing his second opportunity with the Stampeders.
- After falling to the end of the second round in the CFL Draft, receiver Lemar Durant hasn’t had to look far for motivation in his rookie year. He’s started to see more opportunies on offence as he begins to emerge on the field.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
- It’s been a season of few bright spots for the Roughriders but it’s been hard to overlook rookie linebacker Jeff Knox.
- Though just the interim head coach, for now at least, Bob Dyce is still seizing his opportunity to turn around the Roughriders.
- The team has acquired the rights to offensive lineman Aaron Picton from the Stampeders in exchange for Randy Richards.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Robert Marve has announced his retirement.
- It’s been a busy year for Troy Stoudermire, who plays on all three units for the Bombers. He had one interceptionagainst the Stampeders and nearly recorded another but is still frustrated by the loss in the game.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Left tackle Jake Olson is done for the season after tearing the tendon in his knee. His teammate on the offensive line, Mike Filer, has signed a three-year extension with the club.
- Jeff Mathews has made progress at quarterback as he prepares to lead the team under centre. He’ll have another weapon downfield as Bakari Grant is scheduled to return in Mathews’ first start.
- The team has agreed to terms on a deal with former Argonauts defensive back Jalil Carter.
Toronto Argonauts
- Many were surprised when Scott Milanovich opted to bench Vidal Hazelton against the REDBLACKS. While the decision seems to have paid off with Dionate Spencer stepping in at receiver, Milanovich hasn’t decided if the lineup will remain the same this week.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- Special teams continues to be a concern for the REDBLACKS as the team has yet to find a full solution to their problems in that area.
- The offensive line is sharing the blame for the REDBLACKS loss that saw Jeremiah Johnson rush for just 32 yards and Henry Burris sacked three times. Yet the team has no time to dwell on the loss as they have only three days of practice before facing the Alouettes.
Montreal Alouettes
- Rakeem Cato will start over Jonathan Crompton when Montreal faces Ottawa on Thursday.
