Matt Smith/CFL.ca
TORONTO — Lions’ Odell Willis is on the prowl to make a statement against his former team when BC hopes to snap a five-game losing streak in Commonwealth Stadium.
More reps on defence for Duron Carter? You betcha’!
Meanwhile, in Montreal, the Alouettes bring back a familiar face to potentially help on offence.
All this and more in the latest from Checking Down:
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
– With five Grey Cup rings, Wally Buono will be hanging it up at the end of the season with a truly impressive resume (Jesse Ferrera, Global).
– The Lions have an opportunity to make a huge shift of power in the West Division on Friday versus Edmonton (Jamie Nye, CFL.ca)
– The BC Lions aren’t letting a five-game losing streak at Commonwealth Stadium deter their focus in preparation for the Eskimos (Matt Baker, BCLions.com)
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
– Playing in an organization rich in history, Derel Walker wants to be the next great Eskimos receiver (Esks Staff, Esks.com).
– Edmonton strengthen their national depth with the signing of former Als, Ticats receiver Sam Giguere (CFL Staff, CFL.ca)
– It’s more than just a number and the Eskimos know a thing or two when it comes to what digits to dawn (Esks Staff, Esks.com)
– Eskimos choose to see their lop-sided loss to Hamilton in the right context as they work to correct mistakes (Dave Campbell, CHED)
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
– Jamar Wall among others not in the lineup for Calgary’s game versus Ottawa this week (Daniel Austin, Calgary Sun).
– Calgary spoiled Toronto’s home opener on a night that saw the Argos celebrate their 2017 Grey Cup victory (Daniel Austin, Calgary Sun).
– Though it doesn’t change history, Calgary’s victory in Week 2 gives a slight sense of revenge in the Grey Cup rematch (Ryan Ballantine, 3 Down Nation)
– Stamps’ Don Jackson gives some insight following Calgary’s Week 2 victory over the Argonauts (Don Jackson, Stampeders.com)
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
– Chris Jones announces Canadian QB Brandon Bridge will get the call with Collaros on 6-game (Ian Hamilton, Riderville.com).
– Marcus Thigpen is back on the field for the Riders after serving his two-game suspension, as he joins Jerome Messam and Tre Mason in a crowded offensive backfield (Arielle Zerr, CJME News).
– Mic’hael Brooks hopes to have found a new long-term home in Regina with recent signing (Ian Hamilton, Riderville.com).
– After his second career start at corner, Duron Carter continues to practise with the defence leading into Week 3 (Claire Hanna, CTV Regina).
– Chris Jones says Duron Carter will continue playing on defence until the return of Nick Marshall from injury (3 Down Staff, 3 Down Nation).
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
– Bombers rookie QB impresses coaches with leaps and bounds in adjusting to the Canadian game (Jim Morris, CFL.ca)
– Bombers RB Andrew Harris looks to be healthy and good to go for Winnipeg’s Friday tilt in Hamilton (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290)
– Chris Streveler credits his development and confidence to the positive vibes surrounding his teammates (Ed Tait, BlueBombers.com)
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
– Ticats hoping RB Mercer Timmis’ performance in Week 2 is the beginning of their master plan (Steve Milton, Hamilton Spectator).
– With his performance through two games, Jeremiah Masoli has taken a stranglehold on Hamilton’s starting quarterback position (Drew Edwards, Hamilton Spectator)
– Newly constructed Ticats secondary holds a connection with legendary Lancaster (Steve Milton, Hamilton Spectator).
– With the dominance of Masoli, is it too early to be discussing potential landing spots for Johnny Football? (CFL Staff, CFL.ca)
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
– Despite the weather, Toronto’s home opener provided a spectacular fan experience (Matthew Cauz, CFL.ca)
– Ricky Ray has been released from the hospital and is resting at home, but will miss ‘significant time’ after suffering a neck injury in Week 2 (CFL.ca).
– Argos immediately offered words of support to James Franklin after coming in relief for injured Ricky Ray (John Chidley-Hill, The Globe and Mail)
– Argonauts keeping their cool despite opening the season with a 0-2 record (Dan Ralph, Toronto Star)
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
The REDBLACKS rolled the dice, starting their young Canadian linemen against two of the CFL’s most dominant pass-rushers vs. Saskatchewan. (Patrick Doyle, CFL.ca)
– After an injury brought an end to his time in the NFL, Josh Johnson has found a new home in the nation’s capital (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)
– Two young offensive linemen were left to take care of two of the most feared pass-rushers in Week 2 versus the Roughriders. The result? A win. (Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca)
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Montreal brings back Vernon Adams Jr. after being released by Hamilton. (Johany Jutras, CFL.ca)
– The Als’ shuffled O-line has Philip Blake moving to tackle in place of Xavier Fulton, with Kirby Fabien stepping in to play left guard (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– Nowhere to go but up for the Alouettes after a beatdown by Winnipeg (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette)
– Two years after trading a first round pick for Vernon Adams Jr., the Als have been reunited with their former pivot (Dave Naylor, TSN).
