Looking to next year, Redblacks give Adams the ball as they host Als

OTTAWA – With just two games left and already eliminated from the playoffs, the Ottawa Redblacks are thinking about next year. 

The evaluation will start Saturday afternoon when quarterback Tyree Adams gets his first start of the season as the Redblacks (4-12) play the back half of a home-and-home with the Montreal Alouettes (9-7).

The Alouettes, winners of their last four, can move into a tie with Hamilton for first in the East Division with a victory Saturday.

Adams hasn’t factored in a game for the Redblacks since 2023 and in his few appearances is 31-for-49-for 412 yards.

He is getting the start as Dustin Crum is sidelined with a head injury and Dru Brown, who will dress, missed two practices due to a knee injury.

In his few appearances, Adams had shown promise.

“Tyree has a really live arm and we’re looking forward to seeing that,” said head coach Bob Dyce. “He’s got the benefit that he’s been in the offence here the past couple of years, so he knows what he’s got to do and now it’s a matter of execution.”

Adams says there’s excitement at being handed the ball and wants to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I have nothing to prove other than to myself,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing. I want to prove to myself there’s a reason I should be on the field. And with doing that, I think, it will give me the overall confidence of, yes, I belong in this league and not a question mark as do I belong in this league.”

The Redblacks had signed Matt Shiltz in the off-season as a backup, but he’s had one start this campaign.

With a season that has fallen far short of expectations the Redblacks will need to make a number of tough decisions about who stays and who goes, and these final two games may serve as an audition for a number of players.

The Redblacks will be looking to avenge last week’s 30-10 loss to Montreal and close out their final home game with a win for the home crowd. Ottawa is 2-6 at TD Place this season.

“This being the last home game let’s go out and give these fans something to get out of their seats,” said veteran receiver Eugene Lewis. “Give them the ‘oohs’ and the ‘ahhs’ so we can build on for next year. Let’s make sure we don’t give them the same result. We need to finish this season in the best, positive way that we can.”

Adams could also help a couple teammates hit some impressive milestones.

Lewis and Justin Hardy need 37 and 63 receiving yards, respectively, to reach 1,000 on the season. Hardy’s next catch will be the 300th of his career. There’s no denying both are hoping to be targets Saturday.

“What people need to start understanding now, what I’m doing now, at this point of my career is I’m going to start breaking more records and records and records,” said Lewis. “So, if you want me to break those records, you’re going to help me those records and it’s going to look good for everybody.”

Lewis says no matter how things go he will find a way to reach the milestone as he’s confident in his abilities.

The veteran hates the 4-12 record and went so far as to call it embarrassing. He fully expects his team to come out with its best effort Saturday afternoon.

ALOUETTES (9-7) AT REDBLACKS (4-12)

Saturday, TD Place Stadium

STOP THAT GUY: Montreal’s Davis Alexander now holds the CFL’s all-time record for best career-opening run as a starting quarterback with his unbeaten 10-0 mark.

SPREADING THE WEALTH: The Alouettes have five receivers with at least 500 yards this season. This is the first time the Alouettes have had at least five receivers at 500-plus yards since 2010.

WE OWN YOU: The Alouettes have won 10 straight against Ottawa, dating back to October 10, 2022.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2025.