MONTREAL – Davis Alexander mentioned it himself: he should get the start on Monday against the Ottawa Rouge et Noir since Cody Fajardo became the father of a second boy.
“I think so, I don’t think it’s going to change,” Alexander said about whether he was going to start this meeting, presented on RDS at 12:30 p.m.
Too nice by nature, Alexander had simply not received the memo from head coach Jason Maas who preferred to maintain the mystery after the Alouettes’ practice on Thursday.
“He’s a dad again so he’s home with his family. We expect him to come back this week to play on Monday, those are our expectations. The plan can always change,” expressed Maas with the nuance that he did not mention that he would be the starter.
Fajardo’s wife gave birth on Wednesday which would leave him little time to come and practice the game plan for the next duel.
Given that the Alouettes are already guaranteed to host the Eastern final on November 9, it seems logical to turn to Alexander.
Especially since Maas confirmed that he wanted to give playing time to Alexander who has not taken the field since August 16 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“If the opportunity presents itself, we will play him. I wouldn’t want his last meaningful reps to have come two months ago for an important match,” noted Maas as his squad posted a 2-2-1 record since Alexander resumed his role as a reserve.
While Fajardo welcomed a second boy into his family, Alexander experienced his father’s funeral ceremony on Saturday.
“It was a little harder than I expected,” he admitted.
But Alexander had regained his characteristic smile for training. He was asked to identify what the offensive unit needed to accomplish best in the coming weeks.
“It starts by protecting the ball, we committed four turnovers against Toronto. Otherwise, these are small details. We have some of the best offensive tools, if not the best, we have to find a way to give them the ball and let them shine,” said Alexander, who promises, one day, to go see the Yankees play when they return to the World Series.
And 2e baby for Mack too!
As surprising as it may seem, the Alouettes’ break week also allowed Austin Mack to become a father for the second time. In her case, it is a second little girl.
“A Canadian baby!” I thank Ste-Justine Hospital who took good care of us. That gives me two children under the age of two,” said Mack, who would be happy to celebrate with a second Gray Cup in 2 years.
That wasn’t the only good news in his case. It doesn’t compare in magnitude, but Mack should be able to return to action against Ottawa.
The number 81 only played one match this season, before being injured in training a few days later. He missed the Birds’ last four games and, it must be said, his team missed him.
“I’m really excited to be back playing, the medical staff has put together a great plan for me to get back to this point. Our objective is, of course, to regain our offensive momentum. I believe we will be able to get there,” commented Mack.
While getting back into shape, he made sure to be a positive influence.
“I tried to remain a leader for the other receivers and I still believe I am among the most productive receivers in the CFL,” concluded Mack, who will help compensate for the loss of Tyson Philpot.
