Newcomers Thomas Costigan and Nafees Lyon will have their say when the Montreal Alouettes host the BC Lions on Friday.
Costigan and Lyon were acquired last week from the Edmonton Elks but couldn’t help their new teammates in a 38-24 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday.
“They’re going to play, don’t worry who they trained with [mardi], promised the head coach of the Alouettes (4-7), Danny Maciocia, during training at Percival-Molson Stadium. There is no second team: everyone will play. »
“Costigan will be used in a rotation, but [Lyon] going to play,” Maciocia clarified seconds later.
Defensive lineman, Costigan was also used alternately during rehearsals for the first unit on Tuesday. It looks like he will be used more on the left side, but he can also play on the right side.
Lyons, a cornerback, trained with the first defensive unit on the right side. He could be called upon to replace Kenneth Durden in the roster, which had a tough game against Ottawa.
The two men had been in Maciocia’s sights for some time. He had already been trying to convince the Elks to give him the two players for a few weeks. He convinced his counterpart by sending him defensive lineman Avery Ellis as well as a third-round pick in the 2023 draft.
“They are two players that I really like. It’s been three or four weeks that I tried to deal with Edmonton and bring them here, confirmed Maciocia. I like Lyon, the way he plays as a defensive half. Costigan is a player with a lot of energy, very intelligent.
“Both have already been exposed to our defensive system as they played under Noel [Thorpe, le coordonnateur en défense] in the past. After two days, I like what I see and I’m convinced that both will contribute to our success in defense. »
“I was lucky to have them in Edmonton,” added Thorpe. So I know their strengths and weaknesses and what they can bring to our team. These are players who can easily fit into our group. »
Lyon has been used in 13 games over the last two campaigns in Edmonton. He had a sack, intercepted three passes and caused a fumble.
“I was very comfortable with Noel’s system,” Lyon said. In five games, I had two interceptions and several good plays. I plan to do the same for him here. »
Costigan played 22 games for the Elks in 2021 and 2022, registering 38 tackles, nine sacks and three more special teams tackles.
He should be able to lend a hand immediately to the Alouettes’ quarterback hunters, who have had a few hiccups in the club’s last two games.
“I think I couldn’t have had a smoother transition than that,” Costigan said of his move from Edmonton to Montreal. It’s practically the same defense and there are plenty of guys who have come through Edmonton. It makes it all easier. »
“Costigan was Danny’s target player,” Thorpe said. That he was able to get Lyon in addition is excellent work. He improved our team with this trade.
“Lyon is a very athletic guy. When he got his first chance to play in Edmonton, he had an interception against Cody Fajardo. »
Two surprised players
Both players say they are very happy to reunite with Thorpe in Montreal, but both were surprised by the trade.
“We had just had a full day of video sessions and we had taken the team photo. Arrived at home, I decided to take a nap, it was the phone call to tell me that I was traded that woke me up, said Lyon. I was not expecting it at all. […] I imagine they will remove me from this photo! »
“I was in shock,” Costigan said. I never saw that coming. I was sitting quietly at home watching practice when my phone rang. I got up and my roommate asked me if I was okay. I told him I needed a little time! It’s very destabilizing. You don’t believe it at first, you believe you are dreaming. »
“But it’s been great so far and the food here is amazing!” […] If I miss home, I just have to visit the restaurants around my apartment. »
The Alouettes could also obtain additional reinforcements in defense: Najee Murray, another defensive back, could find his place within the formation.
He practiced in a limited way on Tuesday, but Maciocia hopes he will be able to regain control against the Lions (8-2) and their new quarterback, ex-Alouette Vernon Adams Jr.
“Hopefully he’ll be back,” Maciocia admitted. We’ll see how he feels [mercredi]. When he plays, you feel much better the night before. »