Receiver Ellingson anticipated to start out season on Alouettes injured record

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It’s far too early to be involved, however a pattern seems to be growing with Alouettes receiver Greg Ellingson — and it’s not an excellent one.

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For the second consecutive day, Ellingson didn’t follow when the Als hit the sphere on Wednesday at Molson Stadium. That makes it extremely unlikely the veteran will probably be activated Saturday evening, when Montreal launches its common season at house, in opposition to the Ottawa Redblacks.

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Ellingson, 34, was one of many Als’ prized free-agent acquisitions final winter and was anticipated to turn into one of many workforce’s high receivers, changing the departed Eugene Lewis, who signed with Edmonton as a free agent. However Ellingson was steadily injured all through coaching camp — tormented by knee and hip points — and didn’t costume for both of Montreal’s two exhibition video games.

Ellingson, who got here to the CFL in 2013 with Hamilton, produced 5 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons earlier in his profession however, as he will get older, has turn into extra injury-prone. He was restricted to 10 video games throughout the shortened 14-game 2021 season. Final yr, he was productive with Winnipeg, however was restricted to eight of 18 video games because the Blue Bombers reached the Gray Cup for a 3rd consecutive season.

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Ellingson caught 38 passes for 598 yards, scoring three touchdowns.

Together with Lewis, the East Division’s most excellent participant final season, the Als misplaced receiver Jake Wieneke, who signed with Saskatchewan as a free agent. And Tyson Philpot, the division’s excellent rookie in 2022, additionally will start this season with a hamstring damage.

The Als have returning Canadian receivers Kaion Julien-Grant, who may very well be poised for a breakout season, together with Hergy Mayala. However it seems they’ll be utilizing inexperienced imports in opposition to the Redblacks, together with Cole Spieker, who spent most of final season on the follow roster, together with rookies Austin Mack and Keshunn Abram.

The information isn’t all bleak, nevertheless.

Return specialist Chandler Worthy, the division’s excellent particular groups participant final season, has returned to follow and will play in opposition to Ottawa, as will defensive finish Nick Usher. Each had been injured throughout camp and didn’t costume for both pre-season recreation.

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The Redblacks, coming off a 4-14 season, have their very own damage issues as nicely.

Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is anticipated to overlook the primary two video games this season whereas he continues recovering from a debilitating leg damage sustained early final yr. Masoli, 34, handed for 1,083 yards final season and two touchdowns earlier than being sidelined. He additionally was intercepted twice. It was his first season with Ottawa after having fun with success with Hamilton.

He’ll get replaced by CFL veteran Nick Arbuckle, acquired final season in a commerce from Edmonton.

Arbuckle received three of eight video games as Ottawa’s starter, passing for two,400 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was intercepted six instances.

Ottawa additionally will probably be with out beginning middle-linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox, who will miss a minimum of two video games with an damage. The arrival of Santos-Knox, signed as a free agent from the Tiger-Cats, made Avery Williams expendable. Williams is now the Als’ starter at that place.

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