In their first preseason game of the 2026 CFL season on May 23 at Percival Molson Stadium, the Montreal Alouettes fell to the visiting Ottawa Redblacks 27-15. While the result was secondary in a tune-up contest, the post-game media availability featuring quarterback Davis Alexander, newly signed Canadian QB Arnaud Desjardins, and head coach Jason Maas provided key insights into the team’s immediate status, injury concerns, and early roster evaluations.
The Alouettes started the game with most of their projected starters dressed, but a slow offensive start and an early defensive lapse allowed Ottawa to build a commanding lead. Backup QB Jake Maier for the Redblacks orchestrated two touchdown drives in the first half, exploiting coverage issues. Montreal’s lone major score came late on a drive engineered by Desjardins in relief. The loss mirrored some familiar preseason struggles from prior years, but the focus quickly shifted to player availability and performance under pressure.
Davis Alexander: “He’s Okay” – Precautionary Knee Tweak, But Season Opener on Track
Starting quarterback Davis Alexander exited in the first quarter after taking a hit from behind and limping off the field. He was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays on his right knee, which came back negative. In the post-game press conference, Alexander reassured fans directly, assuring #Alouettes Nation that he is fine. Head coach Jason Maas confirmed the injury was precautionary and that Alexander will sit out the team’s preseason finale next week in Ottawa—a decision made prior to Friday’s game—but remains on track to start the regular-season opener on June 4 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The brief scare understandably rattled supporters given Alexander’s history of a lingering hamstring issue from 2025 that carried into the Grey Cup run. Maas and the medical staff are monitoring him closely during training camp in Quebec City, but the consensus from the interviews is optimistic: the franchise QB is healthy enough for the regular season and avoided any serious setback in his limited preseason reps.
Arnaud Desjardins Shines in Limited Action: “I Try to Control What I Can Control”
Signed just days earlier (May 18) after starring for the Université Laval Rouge et Or, the 26-year-old 6’5”, 215-pound quarterback made the most of his opportunity. After a shaky two-and-out on his first series, Desjardins settled in and led Montreal’s best offensive drive of the night, culminating in the team’s only touchdown.
In his post-game comments, the Canadian QB stayed grounded: “I made the mistakes at practice, but today everything worked out well for me. It will all restart next week if I get another chance.” When asked about his roster aspirations, he added, “I try to control what I can control. I have the objective of making the main roster, but I’m taking it day-by-day. It starts again tomorrow.”
Coach Maas was visibly pleased with the rookie’s poise. “I’m glad he relaxed and played the game he has played his whole life,” Maas said. “He went out there and let it loose, that’s what I was expecting to see. We had a quick talk — I told him not to be nervous, that it’s just another game. I’m glad he did that.” Desjardins earned significant evaluation points in the coaching staff’s eyes and appears to be a strong contender for the third-string (or possibly backup) role heading into the final preseason week.
Jason Maas on Team Outlook: Focus Remains on Regular Season Preparation
Maas emphasized that preseason is about evaluation and refinement rather than wins and losses. While acknowledging the slow start and defensive lapses in man coverage early, he highlighted the positive takeaway from seeing Desjardins perform naturally under live pressure. The head coach also addressed the new CFL rules (35-second game clock and modified rouge) that were in effect and appeared to function as intended without major disruption.
Overall, the Alouettes’ post-game status is one of cautious optimism. The offense showed flashes once the young QBs settled in, and the biggest relief was Alexander’s clean bill of health. With training camp continuing and one more exhibition game remaining, the focus shifts to sharpening the playbook, integrating new pieces like Desjardins, and ensuring the veteran core is ready for a strong push toward another East Division title run.