(Montreal) Cody Fajardo once again missed the Montreal Alouettes’ practice on Thursday, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t participate. Explanations.
Posted at 5:34 p.m.
Updated at 6:31 p.m.
The Alouettes’ starting quarterback missed the entire week of training after returning from the last of the Birds’ three breaks last week, in addition to the game against the Ottawa Rouge et Noir due to the birth of his second child. It was Davis Alexander who got the start and led the Alouettes (12-3-1) to a 19-12 victory on Monday.
Thursday, during the first training of this – very – short week in preparation for Saturday’s match against the British Columbia Lions (8-9), Fajardo still had not found his teammates and Alexander was once again trained with the first attacking unit on the synthetic surface of the Hébert stadium in Saint-Léonard.
“He’s going to join us in British Columbia, that’s all I’ll tell you about that,” head coach Jason Maas first indicated.
But the reason was very simple: instead of having Fajardo cross the country twice in about 72 hours – No. 7 lives in Brea, California – the Alouettes management instead suggested that he stay at home and join the team once it travels to the West of the country.
“The original plan was for him to join us last week, but the schedule didn’t work for him and his family so he decided to stay home. We definitely agreed with that, Maas continued. This week we only had one practice scheduled. He attended all the meetings [jeudi] morning and he received the game plan late [mercredi] evening.
“He was able to throw passes with people around him; he knows the game plan. He did not give birth to a child; His wife did it! He was able to run and throw balls, he will be ready. »
Maas and Alexander, however, did not want to comment on the identity of the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game.
“I know I often joke with you, but this time I honestly have no idea what the plan is,” said Alexander, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on Sunday.e birthday.
The native of Gig Harbor, Washington, should also have around twenty members of his family there.
“It’s difficult because I don’t know if I’ll be there. But several still wanted to be there, so there should be 24 or 26 people from my entourage there,” indicated No. 10.
“It’s clear that Davis is going to play in this game. We want to see our quarterbacks play in this match,” however assured Maas, who allowed Alexander to stay on site for 24 more hours in order to celebrate with his family.
Alouettes fans will also see a new name in the backfield, as Stevie Scott III practiced as No. 1 running back this Thursday. In his case too, Maas wants him to see action in a match situation in case physical problems prevent Walter Fletcher and Sean Thomas Erlington from being in training.
“It’s the same situation as with our quarterbacks. Sean didn’t get a ton of carries this season and Stevie didn’t get a single one, Maas noted. If something were to happen to Walter, we want these guys to have had playing time.”
Defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson, who suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss Monday’s game, was still not back at his position, while Austin Mack was in uniform but did not participate. at a single repetition of this session.
“Austin is healthy, but it’s a short week and we’re able to play other people,” the coach explained. We know what he had to go through and we want him to be very healthy down the stretch. Playing him five days after our last match was not the smartest decision in our eyes. So we decided to leave it aside.
“He didn’t want to be left out because he feels good. But it’s what’s best for our team. »
Veteran offensive lineman Kristian Matte was back in training, having not played since July 11 due to an injury.
The one who disputes a 14e season in an Alouettes uniform found it difficult watching his teammates have so much success from the sidelines.
“It’s tough when you’re not on the field with the guys; It felt good to join them and work with them. Sometimes you have to take care of your body; It’s been like that this season. »
He hopes to have the opportunity to contribute during the final two games of the season and the club’s playoff run.
“That’s a question for people above me,” Matte joked. My name is on the injured list for six games, so my expectations are not high at all. My job is to be ready to play when I’m asked to play. When we do, I will be. »
The Alouettes will face the Lions at BC Place starting at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday.
