Danny Maciocia confirmed on Wednesday what everyone in the team’s entourage expected: the Montreal Alouettes will be without the services of center Sean Jamieson and wide receiver Reggie White Jr. for the remainder of the season.
The team’s two starters suffered knee injuries in Monday’s game, which was lost 24-18 to the Ottawa Redblacks.
Hit in the left knee, Jamieson had to be escorted by two teammates to leave the field on Monday. He was unable to put weight on his leg. White, injured in his right knee, was seen walking on crutches and wearing a brace after the encounter.
Jamieson could avoid surgery, but White will definitely have to go under the knife, head coach Maciocia said.
“In Jamieson’s case, we will have to wait four to six weeks before we know if he will need surgery,” he said.
Jamieson, a veteran of five seasons with the Alouettes, will be replaced by David Brown, who has been with the team since last season and knows the Montreal team’s playbook well.
“It’s too bad it happened to a nice guy like him, who was a mentor to me,” said Brown, who has been close to Jamieson for a decade after playing with him at Western University. I will do my best to honor him and help the team. »
“I’ve had a few starts over the past two seasons, so the playbook doesn’t worry me,” he added. I know where to stand and what to do. »
Attack Brown
Brown also doesn’t feel any added stress fitting into a key position like his with three important games to play this season.
“It’s football: no matter where we are in the season, we have to play our best football. »
“When your center is absent, it’s always a big piece. He gets the ball to me every game, and he calls a lot of things up the offensive line,” quarterback Trevor Harris said. But David has played for us this season. He did a great job, and Sean will help him from the sidelines. »
As for White, who caught 53 passes for 722 yards and two touchdowns, Maciocia said a committee would be called to replace him. However, we can bet that rookie Tyson Philpot and Hergy Mayala, in his first season with the club, will see their use increased.
“I think Reggie is one of the best receivers in this league, a much better person and a much better teammate; he will be missed terribly,” Harris said. But it’s an opportunity to do well for Tyson. We always thought he would just need a chance to establish himself, I think he will do a great job for us. »
“They’re all ready to play, that’s why they’re here,” Maciocia said of potential replacements. I often say that it’s not a formation of 45 players that will have an impact during a season, there will surely be a good sixty who will dress up, if only for a match. Everyone must contribute when they are called upon. »
Meanwhile, running back William Stanback, who was limited to eight carries for 20 yards on his return to action on Monday after a 13-game absence, will also see his workload increased for Friday’s game, in Ottawa. Maciocia said Stanback didn’t feel any worrying soreness in practice and as a result he would see more action.
“He was in pain, but it was a good pain, as they say,” said the coach. So, yes, we will see him more often on the pitch. »
The Alouettes (7-8) will leave for Ottawa (4-11) on Thursday. In the event of a victory, the team will guarantee the presentation of a playoff game at home, in addition to obtaining its qualification.