Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sports
Football
Montreal scores the game’s final 19 points, but starting pivot reinjured his left hamstring and will probably be sidelined indefinitely.
Author of the article:
Montreal Gazette
Montreal Gazette
Herb Zurkowsky
Published Jul 18, 2025 • Last updated 9 minutes ago • 4 minute read
0719 spt als col.jpg
"We know how explosive our offence can be. We flipped the 18-point script in about 16 minutes and 30 seconds," says Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander, preparing to launch a pass during the first half against the Toronto Argonauts at Molson Stadium in Montreal on July 17, 2025. Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press
Article content
It was a win for the ages. And it was an incredible comeback for the Alouettes in a game that had more twists and turns than an Alfred Hitchcock suspense film.
Advertisement 2
Toronto Sun
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
But the euphoria will be quickly tempered with the realization that starting quarterback Davis Alexander reinjured his hamstring and likely will be sidelined indefinitely, yet again. The Als have won four games with Alexander, but they’ve lost two without him. And that’s a sobering statistic that’s difficult to ignore.
Article content
Article content
Alexander returned to the roster Thursday night at Molson Stadium against the Toronto Argonauts after missing two full games with a left hamstring injury sustained during the third quarter in Edmonton on June 19. And for almost three quarters, Alexander looked like a guy who was playing his first game in nearly a month.
But Montreal overcame an 18-point third-quarter deficit, scoring the game’s final 19 points, for an electrifying 26-25 victory over the defending Grey Cup champions before 19,354 spectators.
opening envelope
Your Midday Sun
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
The comeback began with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Cole Spieker — on third down no less — in the final minute of the third quarter. A three-yard run by tailback Sean Thomas-Erlington at 6:36 of the final period pulled the Als to within five points following an unsuccessful two-point convert.
Alexander then provided the winning margin on a 10-yard bootleg with 1:46 remaining — but grabbed his left hamstring as he crossed the goal line. It was similar to how he was originally injured in Edmonton, running to his right on a passing play.
It’s almost certain Alexander won’t play next Thursday, when the Als travel to Calgary. And while this victory moved Montreal (4-2) into first place in the East Division, can the team win if Alexander is sidelined indefinitely? Head coach Jason Maas said — assuming Alexander doesn’t play against the Stampeders — McLeod Bethel-Thompson will be the starter. With the 37-year-old veteran behind centre, the Als lost to Hamilton and B.C.
Advertisement 4
Article content
“I don’t think anybody wants to lose their starting quarterback, ever,” Maas said. “Davis gives us everything. He gave us everything right to the end tonight. We’ll have to evaluate him and get him right, because I really don’t want him playing again until he is right. We’ll do everything in our power to make that happen. But we have guys behind him for a reason. You have to believe they’re going to get the job done and they’re going to do the job that’s asked of them. That’s why they’re here. We’re not just one guy. We’re a full team. The next guy has to step up.”
Alouettes receiver Charleston Rambo is tackled by Toronto Argonauts’ Cameron Judge during second half at Molson Stadium in Montreal on July 17, 2025.
While there’s no doubt Alexander was medically cleared to resume playing, a hamstring injury can be tricky and can reoccur quickly, because it’s the muscle that controls the running motion. And the mobile Alexander likes to run. Management undoubtedly will be much more prudent with its franchise player this time, so when he returns, it will be for more than a game.
Advertisement 5
Article content
Alexander struggled in the first half, passing for only 107 yards while being intercepted by cornerback Tarvarus McFadden on an ill-advised pass to the strong side that was intended for Spieker. Toronto scored a touchdown three plays later.
But Alexander rebounded nicely, completing 26 of 39 passes for 303 yards. The win was the eighth consecutive to launch his career, tying a CFL record held by Danny McManus.
“I woke up feeling different today,” Alexander said. “I can’t really explain it other than that. It felt like something was in the air. I told our guys this was going to be a crazy battle, a crazy game. We were struggling a little bit, but we still were moving the ball a little bit. We know what we have in this room. We know how explosive our offence can be. We flipped the 18-point script in about 16 minutes and 30 seconds.”
Advertisement 6
Article content
Alexander said his pulled hamstring feels similar to the way it felt against Edmonton. “It doesn’t feel any worse,” he said. “I didn’t pop anything. It’s tough, but I trust our team to death. Yeah, we’re 0-2 without me, but I’m telling you we’re a different ball club. We’re going to be OK.”
Late in the fourth quarter, Spieker appeared en route to the winning touchdown, only to have the ball stripped at the Toronto 1 by safety Derek Slywka. The fumble was recovered by McFadden.
But two plays later, Argos quarterback Nick Arbuckle fumbled after being hit by Lwal Uguak. The ball was recovered by Shawn Oakman at the Toronto 21, setting the stage for Alexander’s heroics two plays later.
The visitors had one final possession, scrimmaging from their 22 with 1:38 remaining, knowing a field goal would win the game. Arbuckle completed four consecutive passes, advancing to Toronto’s 54. But on the next play, under pressure from safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy, his pass hung in the air and was intercepted by cornerback Kabion Ento.
Advertisement 7
Article content
“The best play you make is the last one you make,” Dequoy said. “That’s my quote.”
Nonetheless, for almost three quarters, Arbuckle looked like the guy who was named the Grey Cup’s most valuable player last season, completing passes at will.
“Not to our (defensive) standards,” Dequoy stated succinctly.
Before the game the Als announced the re-signing of veteran rush-end Shawn Lemon for the rest of this season. Lemon, who played for Montreal in 2023 and ‘24, was reinstated by the CFL this week after a gambling suspension that limited him to four games last season. But Lemon is serving a two-game suspension after testing positive for the banned stimulant phentermine, prescribed as an appetite suppressant. He’s eligible to return Aug. 2, against Saskatchewan.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Comments