CFL.ca Staff
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- It’s been a bit of a punting carousel for the REDBLACKS this season as the team has used six different punters throughout the season.
- Jeremiah Johnson has been ruled out for the year with a dislocated foot but will still take on a leadership role among his teammates.
- The time may be now for Reggie Dunn to get his shot at returning kicks for the REDBLACKS after an electrifying college career.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Just like they did last week, the Bombers are approaching the game against the REDBLACKS as a playoff game. The team is in a tight battle for the final playoff spot in the West.
- With Dominic Picard unable to play on Friday, excpet Matthias Goossen to start at centre.
BC Lions
- ‘The Manny Show’ has returned to form just when the Lions needed him the most. He’s recorded over 100 yards in his last two games along with four touchdowns.
- The strong play of Jonathon Jennings and the return of Travis Lulay has given the Lions a tough decision of who should start under centre. Head coach Jeff Tedford put the controversy to rest however and declared thatJennings will get the nod on Saturday.
- BC has made special teams the main focus at practice as the players prepare for the Eskimos.
Edmonton Eskimos
- The Eskimos may have the league’s top defence but it won’t matter much unless they win the Grey Cup according to head coach Chris Jones.
- It’s been a while since the Eskimos have sat atop the West division and they are learning what it feels like to be the hunted. However, their position in the standings won’t affect the team’s ‘next game up’ mantra.
- The Eskimos used more than just a team effort to clinch a home playoff game. JC Sherritt described the group as a ‘family’.
- The weather is getting colder as the season winds down and the Esks’ offensive line and running backs are gearing up for a heavier workload.
Calgary Stampeders
- The team has acquired running back Jerome Messam from the Riders.
- Jon Cornish will miss Saturday’s game against the Argonauts due to a stiff neck.
- It is understandable for the team to be concentrated on passing the Eskimos but the Stamps aren’t worried about their Western rival, instead they are focusing on Toronto.
- Tevaughn Campbell will have his own cheering section when he makes his first career start as a number of friends and family will be in attendance. He’s been impressing his teammates with his work ethic.
- Lemar Durant has been sidelined with a hip flexor but is gearing up for his return to the lineup.
- A one sack, eight tackle performance in Week 16 is a great summary of what kind of year it has been for defensive tackle Micah Johnson.
- Buddy Jackson has been patiently waiting on the bench for another shot at cornerback.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
- The team has traded Kevin Glenn to the Montreal Alouettes and Jerome Messam to the Stampeders.
- Saskatchewan was officially eliminated from playoff contention after its loss to the Ticats.
- The Riders’ rough year may ultimately be for the better of the club and the suggestions that the team should trade away its veterans and stockpile draft picks for a rebuild appear to have come to fruition.
- The team has acquired defensive back Mike Edem from the Als.
- Jeff Mathews looked great in the win over the Riders and showed improvement in his decision-making.
Toronto Argonauts
- The Argos will play their home game against the Calgary Stampeders at Tim Hortons Field.
- Toronto has used seven kickers this season but the number could rise to eight as the team is looking to find another kicker with Swayze Waters expected out for the rest of the year.
- Ricky Ray’s return is imminent and the team faces an interesting dilemma in the off-season of which quarterback to keep moving forward. Frank Zicarelli of The Toronto Sun argues that the Argos shouldn’t break the bank to keep Trevor Harris.
- Brandon Whitaker was shocked following his release from the Als at the end of training camp but has found a home in the Argos’ backfield. He got the last laugh against his former team with a win on Monday.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
- It’s been a bit of a punting carousel for the REDBLACKS this season as the team has used six different puntersthroughout the season.
- Jeremiah Johnson has been ruled out for the year with a dislocated foot but will still take on a leadership role among his teammates.
- The time may be now for Reggie Dunn to get his shot at returning kicks for the REDBLACKS after an electrifying college career.
Montreal Alouettes
- The team has acquired veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn from the Roughriders and traded Mike Edem to the Ticats.
- Rakeem Cato was forced to leave Monday’s loss with an injury and did not return.
- Despite a third straight loss, the Als still have their sights on a playoff berth.
- With injuries and gameplay forcing a number of changes under centre, the carousel at quarterback has been a familiar sight for Als fans.
