(Montreal) It is without running back William Stanback that the Montreal Alouettes will host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday at Percival-Molson Stadium.

The head coach of the Alouettes (6-6), Jason Maas, confirmed that Stanback will have to be absent due to a right wrist injury suffered last week, against the same Argos (10-1).

Maas, however, wanted to be reassuring by indicating that no surgical intervention will be necessary.

Stanback only carried the ball twice for five yards in Saturday’s 39-10 loss in Toronto. This season, Stanback has struggled to find his rhythm, as he has only amassed 587 yards on 113 carries, for an average of 5.2. He only scored one touchdown and only four of those runs were for 20 yards or more.

The misfortune of some obviously makes the happiness of others and it is Walter Fletcher who will get a too rare start in the backfield of the Birds.

The Montreal team will also count on the return to play of receiver Kaion Julien-Grant, recovered from his broken hand. On the offensive line, the Alouettes placed right tackle Landon Rice on the injured list for six games. Jamar McGloster will replace him.

On defense, the Alouettes will also find important elements, whose names were finally removed from the injured list for six games. They are linebacker Avery Williams and defensive back Dionté Ruffin.

Noel Thorpe’s protégés will also count on the insertion into the formation of newcomer Darnell Sankey, used as central linebacker.

Inconvenienced by the flu, marauder Marc-Antoine Dequoy will nevertheless be at his post.

The Argos will try to secure first place with a victory. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.