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While the injuries continue to stack up, the Ottawa Redblacks will look to get back on track Saturday in Regina without starting quarterback Dru Brown.
The Redblacks announced Tuesday Jeremiah Masoli, the East Division nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2018, will start, while Brown, who was wearing a walking boot Tuesday, recovers from a high-ankle injury.
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Before we talk about the quarterback situation, let’s talk about the injuries, plus the return of dynamic receiver Kalil Pimpleton and right tackle Zack Pelehos, who broth practised Tuesday and should be in the lineup this week against the Roughriders. Money Hunter took some reps at the safety position, with Alonzo Addae (knee) and Ty Cranston (back) not practising and Justin Howell (hamstring) limited. Left tackle Drake Centers (shoulder) won’t play this week. Cornerback Brandin Dandridge (knee) didn’t practice, but he hasn’t been ruled out.
Oh, and then there’s the Ryquell Armstead situation. The Redblacks released Armstead, who has 830 yards rushing this season (207 of those came last week in his debut for the Roughriders), three weeks ago. The Redblacks, at the time, said getting rid of Armstead was “in the best interests of the team.”
“I’ve always felt he’s a good back,” said Dyce. “We have to cancel the gaps and play sound football to stop him. But you can’t overcommit, (quarterback) Trevor (Harris) will make you pay if you do.”
Brown has struggled the past couple of weeks; the ankle injury could point to the reason for that.
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“Dru’s had an ankle issue since way back in the Winnipeg game (a 25-16 loss July 5) and it’s progressively gotten worse,” said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce. “The throwing motion, it isn’t just your arm and upper body. With the ankle hurting, the ability to move around and feel comfortable in the pocket – it all ties in together.”
Brown fought through the injury until late in the second quarter of last Saturday’s 24-12 to Montreal. Before leaving, he completed 8-of-16 passes for 69 yards, with two interceptions (one was taken 79 yards for a touchdown by defensive back Dionte Ruffin). So, instead of kicking at least two field goals, the Redblacks gave up seven points – a 13-point turnaround.
The previous week, in Hamilton, Brown also wasn’t at his best, completing 17-of-27 passes for 164 yards, with an interception.
After playing Saturday against the Roughriders, the Redblacks will have a bye week; it will give a long list of injured players an extra week to recuperate.
As for Brown’s return timetable, Dyce said: “You never know exactly. But we’re hoping as soon as possible. Hopefully after the bye he’s good to go. We want him to get to 100 per cent (before he returns).”
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For now, it’s Masoli time. The veteran quarterback has missed much of the two previous seasons because of injuries.
Back on Aug. 16, he completed 26-of-35 passes for 254 yards, with a touchdown against Calgary. In Hamilton, he completed 13-of-19 passes for 183 yards, with two touchdown tosses and two interceptions. Against Montreal, Masoli completed 17-of-26 passes (one for a touchdown), for 218 yards.
“He’s done some good stuff when he’s come in for Dru,” said Dyce. “Having a battle-tested veteran is a good thing. The game plan doesn’t change all that much.”
The Redblacks will have to cut down the ridiculous amount of penalties and turnovers that have plagued them the past couple of weeks.
“You have to put yourself into positive situations; that’s what good teams do,” said Dyce. “They eliminate their mistakes and capitalize on the other team’s mistakes.”
INDIGENOUS-THEMED LOGOS: Really like the CFL’s Indigenous-themed logos released this week to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The artist for the Redblacks’ logo is Mike Ivall (Chippewas of Georgina Island). The logo features the white, yellow, red and black medicine wheel that has been used for generations to symbolize health and healing, as well as direction, unity, elements of culture, and all races. A second significant element is the stylized squiggling line in the bottom-right corner. The design is rooted in the spirit of connection and togetherness. The team logos will be featured on players’ helmets, in-stadium programming and on TV and streaming broadcasts this weekend.
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THE END AROUND: The Redblacks may already have a playoff spot clinched before they play Saturday. If Hamilton (in BC) and Edmonton (in Winnipeg) lose Friday, Ottawa is in. If that doesn’t happen, Ottawa can nail down the playoff berth with a win. Montreal will clinch first place in the East with a win or Ottawa loss. Said Dyce: “Everybody here knows the implications, about making the playoffs. But we’re not making that our main focus, we’re concerned with playing good football in a hostile environment in Saskatchewan.” … With an 8-6 record, the Blue Bombers have moved into top spot in the CFL Power rankings, ahead of the 11-2-1 Alouettes. The 5-9 Edmonton Elks and 5-9 Tiger-Cats are next in the rankings, followed, at No. 5, by the 8-5-1 Redblacks. Toronto is ranked sixth. The Calgary Stampeders are ranked last.
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