After 7 years, David Foucault about to start the first game for Als

Article content

Seven years later and two GMs removed, a former Alouettes first-round pick is finally about to start his first game with the team.

Article content

And all it took was some injuries on the offensive line.

The hulking David Foucault, selected fifth overall in 2014 by former general manager Jim Popp, will start as right guard Monday afternoon. (1 pm, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) when the Als host the Ottawa Redblacks at Molson Stadium.

The 6-foot-8, 319-pound Foucault will replace Kristian Matte, who passes to the left guard for the injured Philippe Gagnon. Rookie David Brown will start at center for the injured Sean Jamieson. And there is the possibility that offensive tackle Tony Washington will be sidelined with a leg injury. You haven’t practiced in the last two days. But Chris Schleuger, his replacement if necessary, was a starter the last time these teams met.

Running back William Stanback, the CFL leader, also seems likely not to play. He has a rib injury and would be replaced by Cameron Artis-Payne, who spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. And cornerback Tyquwan Glass has a knee injury and could be sidelined.

Article content

“I’m excited for my first outing,” said Foucault, a Lasalle native. “I’ve been through a lot. Just being back with the team is great. I’ll do my job to the best of my ability. “

Foucault spent two seasons with the Panthers, signing with the NFL team after a test at his rookie camp. After being released by Carolina, the Als traded their rights, along with offensive lineman Vincent Brown, to BC for OL Jovan Olafioye in 2017. Foucault played 51 regular-season games with the Lions, converted to tackle guard by the former manager. general / boss. Coach Wally Buono after breaking his big toe.

Foucault returned to the Als as a free agent in February, though he practiced sparingly for most of training camp after straining a muscle in his foot on opening day. He has been dressed for six games, but has been used infrequently, until last Saturday in Hamilton, when Montreal suffered multiple injuries.

Article content

Brown was originally selected in the fourth round (28 overall) by Calgary in 2018 and played five games for the Stampeders. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound was dominant in his last two seasons at the University of Western Ontario. Brown was named a conference All-Star both years and won the Vanier Cup in 2017.

“I feel like we have insiders who are ready to go,” head coach Khari Jones said of the makeshift line. “We are in good shape. If we didn’t have the depth, I might be more concerned. We did a good job with the group we have assembled ”.

The Als generally dress seven offensive linemen. That could mean Patrick Davis, Junior Luke, and / or Nick Callender are activated off the practice roster as substitutes.

This is a game the Als (3-4) can’t afford to lose. Ottawa (2-6) is last in the East Division and played Wednesday, hammered 35-16 in Toronto. Rookie quarterback Caleb Evans had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. The Argonauts also blocked a punt for a TD. Evans was intercepted for the third time, but still passed for 334 yards.

“We have to win. That’s the bottom line,” Jones said. “It doesn’t matter who they put in front of us. We have to win games. We know it. We don’t feel like we can give up any more games.”

[email protected]

twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1