The Canadian Press
The league’s biggest injury won’t impact fantasy players this week, as Edmonton, which is on its first open date of the season, will have extra time to adjust to losing all-star running back John White to a torn ACL that will cost him the rest of the season.
Still, it doesn’t mean that injuries won’t impact Week 3. Many key players could end up being game-time decisions for fantasy players, while some will be returning after time on the injured list. The phrase “next man up” can be a worn-out cliché at times, yet this week can be excused as an exception.
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BC at Montreal
Thursday | 7:30 p.m. ET
Bryan Burnham could miss the Lions’ upcoming clash in Montreal (The Canadian Press)
Lions receiver Bryan Burnham ($5,149) missed Monday’s practice with a sore hip sustained by a hit from Argos linebacker Marcus Ball. Burnham should be ready to go, but keep running back Chris Rainey ($6,166) in mind. Rainey, along with rookie Danny Vandervoort, worked in Burnham’s slot position in Monday’s practice, and Rainey’s pass catching skills would be enhanced if he is lined up outside more frequently. If Burnham doesn’t suit up, it will give the Lions their first real opportunity to unveil Vandervoort, the third overall pick in this year’s draft.
Emmanuel Arceneaux ($7,650) may have a chance to break out of his early skid as Alouettes corner Jonathon Mincy has reportedly been added to the 6-game following last week’s loss to the Eskimos. It is also up in the air as to whether Als running back Brandon Rutley ($5,665) will be a healthy scratch for the third straight game.
Calgary at Winnipeg
Friday | 8:30 p.m. ET
DaVaris Daniels could return for the Stamps as soon as this week (The Canadian Press)
DaVaris Daniels ($6,355) could return to the lineup after missing last week with a shoulder injury that originally was projected to keep the explosive playmaker out for up to a month. He will require a last-second move, but if you can wait as long as possible to see if he is indeed in the lineup, Daniels can be a good Week 3 play.
Not that he needs it, but Daniels’ return makes Bo Levi Mitchell worth every bit of his $11,979 salary. Jerome Messam gave the Stamps a momentary scare during practice on Tuesday, but is fine and will be good to go for fantasy players willing to play $7,284 to have him in the backfield.
With the exception of return specialist Kevin Fogg (lower body injury), the Blue Bombers appear to be in good shape heading into their home opener. Fogg returned four punts for 29 yards last week and would yield to receiver Ryan Lankford, who would take over both punt and kickoff return responsibilities.
Toronto at Ottawa
Saturday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Mossis Madu’s value may hinge on the availability of William Powell (The Canadian Press)
The Argonauts expect to get running back Brandon Whitaker ($6,293) into the lineup after he missed last week with an ankle injury. His return may curb the habits of a Toronto offence that has passed the ball almost 80 per cent of snaps in the first two weeks. He’s a risky play since quarterback Ricky Ray and his fleet of receivers have clicked well in the pass-heavy scheme. Receiver Khalil Paden ($2,500) is also expected to return off the injured list.
REDBLACKS running back William Powell ($5,750) practised on Tuesday, yet may be a game-time decision with his ankle injury. Either way, it looks strongly in favour of at least another week of Mossis Madu ($7,035) as the Ottawa starter and also getting almost all of the carries. Receiver Juron Criner ($2,500) will be out with a knee injury that will keep him out for at least six weeks.
Hamilton at Saskatchewan
Saturday | 10:00 p.m. ET
With the Ticats’ injury situation, Brian Tyms may be a savvy cheap pickup this week (The Canadian Press)
The Ticats will be without receiver Terrence Toliver ($5,399), who was placed on the 6-game injured list on Monday. Toliver is likely done for the season with a torn ACL, although the team hasn’t formally announced the news. Brian Tyms ($2,500) will be among those looking to take some of the added coverage Luke Tasker ($5,922) will see from the Roughriders’ secondary. Mike Jones ($2,500) caught four passes for 70 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Argonauts and should see more targets from the arm of pivot Zach Collaros ($9,000).
Riders running back Kienan LaFrance ($2,500) remains on the injured list with hamstring issues. Cameron Marshall ($4,746) has 18 of the team’s 27 rushing attempts. A return of LaFrance would give the ground game a speed element that has yet to show up.
