Line-up changes for Thursday's game

[SammyGreene]

Can't recall the last time I have seen the Lions hit with so many injuries at this stage of the season or Wally so quick with his trigger finger to relegate starters.

So the Lions head into Montreal with a ton of changes to the point even their devoted beat reporters are having a hard time figuring out where everyone is playing.

Farhan

Brandon Stewart not expected to play on Thurs. Rookies Anthony Gaitor expected to start at corner, Anthony Thompson at safety. #CFL


Brooks, Roh, Menard & Edem will miss #BCLions game Thurs. B Stewart possible. Turner, Forde, Hudson, Kankolongo, Gaitor will be replacements

Mike Beamish

Bryant Turner Jr., George Uko and Maxx Forde are being activated as replacements on the defensive line for Brooks, Roh and Menard. A former CFL all-star with Winnipeg (2012), Turner has one start to date. He replaced Brooks July 7 against Toronto when the latter was out with a sprained ankle — the same one he re-injured against Calgary.

LU

Buono made no secret of his distain when the practice week began Sunday towards the work of left guard Hunter Steward, who took a late penalty that was among several that proved to be critical. However, on Monday it was Jeremiah Johnson not Anthony Allen at tailback. Loucheiz Purifoy was at safety replacing Eric Fraser, who was replacing Mike Edem.
 More? Anthony Thompson was replacing Purifoy and Anthony Gaitor was replacing Brandon Stewart. The defensive line included Bryant Turner replacing Mich’ael Brooks as expected, and rookie Andrew Hudson’s ability to come off the edge made him the logical replacement for Craig Roh.

So by my scorecard:
Injured starters/rotation players unavailable: Brooks (DL), Menard (DL), Roh (DL), Edem (S), Stewart (CB).
Demoted starters for Thursday: Allen (RB) and Stewart (G). Throw in Fraser too as he played the majority at safety Friday after Edem went down.

Potential replacements based on above reports: Defensive line: Turner, Forde (for sure) then either Uko or Hudson. Cornerback: Gaitor. Safety: Thompson or Purifoy (if the latter then Thompson plays nickel). Running back: Johnson. Guard: O'Neill. Don't know where Kankolongo fits in as he is listed as a linebacker.

Hopefully today's last practice and tonight's 3rd Down Radio Show will present a clearer picture going to Montreal. Will be anxious to see the depth chart too.

[caobax]

Whatever lineup suits up against Montreal on defence, let's hope they stop biting on the double move in zone. So embarrassing how our players are taught to play every coverage except cover 0. So much noise.

In regards to offence, we ought to get Johnson involved. Whenever he is in teams respect both the pass or run. Allen is a classic zone option pass running back. I must emphasize these facts. As talented and durable Emman. and Shawn are, they rarely catch weak or strongside screens. When receivers can't catch screens they always get doubled teams. Furthermore, we need to run rb screens in order for our qb to increase his completion percentage. Heavy screen teams have one thing in common. They become so good, that opponents stop game planning them and focus on their next opponents.