MONTREAL — Canadian quarterback Brandon Bridge expects to see more action for the Montreal Alouettes this week.
Bridge and fellow rookie Rakeem Cato split the work in practice on Monday as the Alouettes began preparations to meet the Grey Cup champion Calgary Stampeders without their top three quarterbacks, who are all injured.
"Right now it’s day to day and my gut tells me we better prepare with our two young quarterbacks," said coach Tom Higgins."
The Alouettes play host to Calgary on Friday night.
In a season-opening loss to Ottawa last week, starter Jonathan Crompton and backup Dan LeFevour both suffered shoulder injuries. The Alouettes confirmed Monday that Crompton will join third stringer Tanner Marsh on the six-game injured list.
LeFevour, injured on only his second play, suffered a dislocated and fractured left (non-throwing) shoulder. He will need surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the campaign.
Crompton bruised his right (throwing) shoulder and is doubtful.
Bridge, of Mississauga, Ont., played most of the second half against Ottawa in his CFL debut, going 5 for 10 for 62 yards with an interception.
"I did some good and bad things," the 23-year-old said. "There are improvements I can do.
"The reps in practice will help for this game."
Cato, 23, looked strong in the pre-season. His 39 consecutive games with a touchdown pass while at Marshall University broke a college record set by Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback who attended North Carolina State and Wisconsin.
"I’d like to think both of them would be able to execute a limited package," said Higgins. "We’ll call plays that play to their strengths.
"Both young men are extremely confident. They showed they’re fearless. Maybe that’s a good thing but it can also be a bad thing when you’re playing against a Calgary Stampeder defence that is very opportunistic and can create pressure and get turnovers through interceptions."
The Alouettes brought back Andrew Manley to be the third quarterback.
