In Dru Brown's absence, Jeremiah Masoli takes over as QB for the Ottawa Redblacks

As injuries continue to mount, the Ottawa Redblacks will look to get back on track Saturday in Regina without starting quarterback Dru Brown.

The Redblacks announced Tuesday that Jeremiah Masoli, the 2018 CFL East Division MVP, will start while Brown, who wore a walking boot Tuesday, recovers from a high ankle injury.

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Before we get to the quarterback situation, let's talk about injuries, including the return of dynamic receiver Kalil Pimpleton and right tackle Zack Pelehos, who practiced Tuesday and are expected to be in the lineup this week against the Roughriders. Money Hunter took some reps at safety, with Alonzo Addae (knee) and Ty Cranston (back) not practicing and Justin Howell (hamstring) limited. Left tackle Drake Centers (shoulder) won't play this week. Cornerback Brandin Dandridge (knee) didn't practice, but he hasn't been ruled out.

Oh, and then there's the Ryquell Armstead situation. The Redblacks released Armstead, who has 830 rushing yards this season (including 207 last week in his Roughriders debut), three weeks ago. The Redblacks said at the time that getting rid of Armstead was "in the best interest of the team."

"I've always thought he was a good back," Dyce said. "We've got to fill in the gaps and play solid football to stop him. But you can't overcommit, (quarterback) Trevor (Harris) will make you pay if you do."

Brown has struggled in recent weeks; the ankle injury could be the reason.

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“Dru has had an ankle issue since the Winnipeg game (a 25-16 loss on July 5) and it’s gotten progressively worse,” Redblacks coach Bob Dyce said. “The shooting motion, it’s not just your arm and your upper body. With the ankle that’s been hurting, the ability to move around and be comfortable in the pocket, it’s all tied together.”

Brown battled the injury until late in the second quarter of Saturday's 24-12 win over Montreal. Before leaving, he completed 8 of 16 passes for 69 yards, with two interceptions (one of them a 79-yard TD return by defensive back Dionte Ruffin). So instead of kicking at least two field goals, the Redblacks gave up seven points, a 13-point turnaround.

The week before in Hamilton, Brown wasn't at his best either, completing 17 of 27 passes for 164 yards, with one interception.

After playing Saturday against the Roughriders, the Redblacks will have a week off; that will give a long list of injured players an extra week to recover.

As for Brown's timetable for return, Dyce said: "You never know exactly. But we're hoping for sooner rather than later. Hopefully after the bye he'll be ready to go. We want him to be 100 percent (before he returns)."

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For now, it's Masoli's turn. The veteran quarterback missed most of the previous two seasons due to injuries.

On August 16, he completed 26 of 35 passes for 254 yards, with a touchdown against Calgary. In Hamilton, he completed 13 of 19 passes for 183 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Against Montreal, Masoli completed 17 of 26 passes (one for a touchdown), for 218 yards.

“He did a good job replacing Dru,” Dyce said. “Having a seasoned veteran is a good thing. The game plan doesn’t change that much.”

The Red and Black will have to reduce the ridiculous number of penalties and turnovers that have plagued them in recent weeks.

"You have to put yourself in positive situations; that's what good teams do," Dyce said. "They eliminate their mistakes and capitalize on the other team's mistakes."

INDIGENOUS THEMED LOGOS: I really like the CFL’s Indigenous-themed logos that were released this week to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Redblacks logo artist is Mike Ivall (Chippewas of Georgina Island). The logo features the white, yellow, red and black medicine wheel that has been used for generations to symbolize health and healing, as well as direction, unity, elements of culture and all races. A second important element is the stylized wavy line in the bottom right corner. The design is rooted in the spirit of connection and solidarity. The team logos will be featured on player helmets, in-stadium programming, on television and in streaming broadcasts this weekend.

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THE END: The Redblacks may have already clinched a playoff spot before they play Saturday. If Hamilton (in B.C.) and Edmonton (in Winnipeg) lose Friday, Ottawa is in the playoffs. If that doesn't happen, Ottawa can clinch a playoff spot with a win. Montreal will clinch first place in the East with a win or an Ottawa loss. Dyce said: "Everybody here knows what the playoffs mean. But we're not focusing on that, we're focusing on playing good football in a hostile environment in Saskatchewan." ... With an 8-6 record, the Blue Bombers moved into first place in the CFL power rankings, ahead of the Alouettes (11-2-1). The Edmonton Elks (5-9) and Tiger-Cats (5-9) are next in the standings, followed by the Redblacks (8-5-1) in fifth place. Toronto is ranked sixth. The Calgary Stampeders are ranked last.

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