The search for new American passport recipients was the main theme of the Alouettes’ recent training camp. Keshunn Abram and Austin Mack appear to have won the derby as they are part of the organization’s active squad at the start of the season.
Many candidates have applied for these positions. Among them, Quartney Davis, however brilliant he is in the pre-season games, is currently part of the practice team, as is Tyler Snead, who can also be used on special teams for return.
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Barring a move, Abram and Mack will therefore be part of the contingent that includes the departures of superb receiver Eugene “Geno” Lewis, now with the Edmonton Elks, and Jake Wieneke, who made his way to the Edmonton Elks. should fill Saskatchewan in the off-season.
Photo Marc DesRosiers, QMI Agency
Austin Mack
Lewis had 91 receptions for the Alouettes in 2022 and threw up 1,303 yards through the air. It takes someone, or rather a few, to take over!
Ellingson’s health
Beyond Abram and Mack, it’s important to remember that the Alouettes acquired veteran Greg Ellingson last February. Maybe it’s him who could partially forget Lewis at the age of 34. For now, though, Ellingson is struggling with an early-season injury.
Quarterback Cody Fajardo said he looks forward to working with Ellingson at some point.
“In every team you have the opportunity to be fantastic, but it’s still a unique opportunity here,” said Ellingson from the first days of the training camp.
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
Greg Ellingson
The key remains obvious in Ellingson’s case: being sane. He had 598 passing yards in just eight games last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Cole Spieker, who is in his second season with the Alouettes, could also cause a stir, not to mention Reggie White Jr., who is also currently injured. Behind Lewis, White (and not Wieneke!) was the second most productive receiver last season with 722 yards in 15 games.
Two Canadians shine
In addition to the Americans, the Montreal team has the privilege of counting on at least two Canadian receivers who can influence the team significantly: Kaion Julien-Grant and Tyson Philpot.
It is indeed a blessing for a Canadian Football League team to be so well endowed with national players in this position compared to the current ratio in the CFL. However, Philpot is another player recovering from an injury.