By Bob Coatsworth,
CFL.ca
Before the action kicks off Thursday in Montreal, here’s some things you’ll want to know.
Injury Notes
QB Dave Dickenson, BC
After twisting his right knee in the first half of Friday’s game, Dickenson spent most of the second half on the sidelines wrapped in ice. Tuesday he declared himself ready to play Friday against Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium. Considering Kevin Glenn ripped up the Eskimo pass defence for almost 500 yards in Week 3, Dickenson should be a strong start this Friday.
SB Derrell Mitchell, EDM
Mookie tweaked his hamstring Saturday at Winnipeg and missed the second half. He sat out practice Monday, and again Tuesday to rest his leg, but is expected to play Friday. The injury came at an inopportune time for Mitchell. He’d made six catches for 161 yards in the first two quarters.
SB Dave Stala, MTL
The former Saint Mary’s University star will make his season debut this week after missing Montreal’s first two games healing a bad hamstring. Stala was one of four Alouette receivers to reach 1,000 receiving yards in 2005. Don’t forget about him.
WR Chris Brazzell, WPG
The 30-year-old had a breakout game in Week 3 with four catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Before you jump on him, be aware that he’s been limited in practice this week nursing a groin pull and may not be 100 per cent if he plays Saturday in Toronto. Know as well that last week’s game was by far his best in the last two seasons, making the likelihood of a repeat performance very slim.
Week 3 Running Back Touches
Although generally not the first option, rushers still have a place in the pass-first CFL. Here’s a look at how many times starting running backs touched the ball in Week 3 and what percentage of their team’s total plays from scrimmage they were involved in. The statistics might be something to consider before filling the RB spots this week.
Note: If a team was on a bye in Week 3, statistics from the previous game are being used.
1. Ricky Williams, TOR – 20 touches (18 rushes 2 receptions). Team’s total plays: 46; Percentage of offensive involvement: 43.4%
2. Charles Roberts, WPG – 24 touches (20 rush, 4 rec). Total plays: 59; Percentage: 40.6%
3. Josh Ranek, HAM – 20 touches (11 rush, 9 rec). Total plays: 52; Percentage: 38.4%
4. Antonio Warren, BC – 16 touches (12 rush, 4 rec). Total plays: 52; Percentage: 30.7%
5. Robert Edwards, MTL – 18 touches (14 rush, 4 rec). Total plays: 59; Percentage: 30.5%
6. Kenton Keith, SSK – 13 touches (9 rush, 4 rec). Total plays: 52; Percentage: 25.0%
7. Joffrey Reynolds, CGY – 11 touches (10 rush, 1 rec). Total plays: 51; Percentage: 21.5%
8. Troy Davis, EDM – 11 touches (8 rush, 3 rec). Total plays: 52; Percentage: 21.1%
Bob Coatsworth works as an editorial coordinator at The Score Television Network and has been a fantasy sports enthusiast for years.
(The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the Canadian Football League)
