September 7, 2016

Checking Down: Ryan Smith’s return headlines Week 12 notes

The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Ryan Smith’s back in the lineup for the Bombers,  while the Riders could be ready to discuss their star quarterback’s future.

Plus, who has an issue with the Alouettes’ benching of Kevin Glenn?

That and much, much more in the latest Checking Down:

Jump to team:

BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal

BC LIONS

Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca

Wally Buono and the Lions seek a third straight win Friday night vs. Montreal (Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca)

– Former high-ranked prospect Brett Boyko, whose rights are owned by the BC Lions, has been released by the NFL’s San Diego Chargers (Mike Beamish, The Vancouver Province).

EDMONTON ESKIMOS

Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca

Derel Walker and the Esks look to get back in the win column in Week 12 (Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca)

– Esks newly-signed defensive lineman Philip Hunt could have a chance to play as soon as Sunday, depending on if he’s ready (Dave Campbell, CHED).

– The Labour Day rematch was what sparked the Eskimos’ unstoppable run to a Grey Cup Championship last year, something they hope to repeat this week (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun).

– After their worst loss of the season, the Eskimos have lots to think about with only a few days to prepare for a rematch with Calgary (Gerry Moddejonge, Edmonton Journal).

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

The Canadian Press

The Stampeders look to find the right balance ahead of a looming rematch with Edmonton (The Canadian Press)

– The Stampeders have released defensive lineman Demonte’ Bolden from the practice roster.

– Five days are better than four, but the Stampeders still face their challenges in preparing for a rematch with Edmonton on a short week (Daniel Austin, Calgary Herald).

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

Matt Smith/CFL.ca

Chris Jones and the Riders appear to be on the right track despite a tough loss in Week 11 (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)

– What does the future hold for Darian Durant? That discussion could soon be had between Chris Jones and his veteran quarterback (Jamie Nye, CFL.ca).

– A loss on Labour Day wasn’t what the Riders hoped for, but they may be showing signs of life after a hard-fought loss to Winnipeg (Joel Gasson, 3 Down Nation).

– Darian Durant continues to move up many Riders all-time passing lists, cementing himself as one of the greatest Riders ever (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).

– Chris Jones says Curtis Steele (six-game) and recently-signed Khalif Mitchell need conditioning work before getting into a game (Ian Hamilton, Regina Leader-Post).

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Matt Nichols will get some help with the return of Ryan Smith to the lineup (The Canadian Press)

– After missing six weeks, Ryan Smith is expected to start and play for the Bombers in the Banjo Bowl on Saturday (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290).

– With Smith back with the first team, Clarence Denmark takes a back seat in the Bombers receiving corps (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290).

– The Bombers have announced that Dieter Brock will be inducted into the Ring of Honour during the Banjo Bowl.

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca

Zach Collaros was once again impeccable during a Labour Day win over the Argos (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)

– Despite being sidelined almost a calendar year, Zach Collaros has only taken steps forward since last playing in 2015 (Steve Milton, The Hamilton Spectator).

– Ticats players are already busy trying to recruit free agent receiver and former teammate Terrell Sinkfield (Drew Edwards, 3 Down Nation).

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

Ricky-Ray-2016 (3)

Ricky Ray continues to heat up but will it be enough for the Argos against the Ticats? (The Canadian Press)

– Is Scott Milanovich on the hot seat? The Argos’ current four-game losing streak and upcoming schedule puts them in danger of missing the playoffs for the second time in three years (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).

– Watching Ricky Ray and Zach Collaros put on an airshow made for an instant classic between rivals on Labour Day (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca

Trevor Harris and the REDBLACKS get a bye week before tackling the rest of the season (Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca)

– Despite owning a one-point edge, the REDBLACKS aren’t favoured to win the East according to the latest CFL Simulation (CFL.ca).

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

Rakeem Cato looks to spark a struggling Als offence in Week 12 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– While Anthony Calvillo says Rakeem Cato will bring fire to the Alouettes’ offence, receiver Nik Lewis openly disagrees with the move (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).