Alouettes' Joshua Archibald stoked to be healthy and play against former B.C. team

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For a brief moment in time, Joshua Archibald can claim the stars have been aligned in his world.

Signed as a free agent last winter by the Alouettes, the Canadian defensive-end has recovered from his hamstring injury and will finally make his debut for Montreal on Saturday night at Molson Stadium (7 p.m., CTV, TSN1, TSN5, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM). That it comes against the B.C. Lions — his former team — and on the field on which he played collegiately for McGill, adds to the subplot.

That it comes five games into the season isn’t quite how Archibald would have drawn up the scenario, however.

“That’s a pretty wicked combo,” Archibald said. “I can’t tell you the emotions I’m going to feel when I step onto that field, but God knows there’s going to be some goosebumps. I’m just excited to play against my former team; excited to finally break the ice on the season.”

Archibald, 27, spent three seasons with the Lions before signing with the Alouettes on the opening day of free agency last February. And while it’s not uncommon for free agents to return to their roots, the 6-foot-3, 242-pound Archibald is coming off his most productive CFL season. In 17 games with B.C., he had 15 defensive tackles, six on special teams, four sacks and forced two fumbles.

“He is a system fit for us,” defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe said. “What he can do off the edge, his pass-rush ability. He can drop (into coverage) and play multiple positions for us. He really fits what we do.”

Along with Archibald’s return, boundary cornerback Dionté Ruffin (hamstring) also will make his season debut against B.C., replacing the injured (shoulder) Lorenzo Burns.

Any defensive player who lines up on the short-side can expect to receive plenty of activity. And that was the case for Burns during last week’s 35-17 loss at Hamilton when Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell frequently targeted Kenny Lawler and Tim White against Burns.

While Thorpe said Burns played well and didn’t allow any deep throws, the return of Ruffin, now in his fourth CFL season, comes at an opportune time.

“He (Ruffin) has played multiple positions in our secondary — and played them at a high level,” Thorpe said. “He’s going back to a spot he’s very familiar with.”

Ruffin played all 18 games last season and excelled in Montreal’s secondary. Along with his 56 tackles, he had a team-leading five interceptions — one of which was returned for a touchdown.

“I’m a guy who wants to be hands-on,” he said. “I’m excited to get back out there for myself, and continue to keep the ball rolling. No matter where the team needs me I’m confident in my ability, in my preparation to perform at the high level the team would want me to.”

Ruffin hasn’t played since last November’s East Division Final loss to Toronto, when he was used at field halfback. The Alouettes committed six turnovers in the game and were denied an opportunity to defend their 2023 Grey Cup championship.

“If I’m being completely honest, as a competitor, you never forget the moments that sting,” Ruffin said. “We didn’t seize what we wanted, but it was still a great learning experience.”

McLeod Bethel-Thompson starts a second consecutive game at quarterback for Montreal, replacing the injured (hamstring) Davis Alexander. Receiver Austin Mack (hamstring) also remains sidelined, as does defensive-tackle Dylan Wynn (foot). This marks Montreal’s first home game in a month after playing three straight on the road.

While the Alouettes (3-1) remain atop the East Division, they’re coming off their first loss of the season and would like to enter their first bye week in the schedule feeling good about their progress.

The Lions (1-3) have lost three straight, but the visitors will be buoyed by the return of Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke, who missed the last two games with an oblique injury. Rourke has passed for 573 yards and four touchdowns while being intercepted once. He also has 11 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown. B.C. has won four consecutive games against Montreal.

“He’s dynamic back there,” Thorpe said. “He shows mobility in the pocket. When he crosses the line of scrimmage he’s a very good runner. He throws a good deep ball, has very good accuracy, reads the field very fast and gets the ball (quickly) out of his hand. They like to attack you vertically and their receiving corps is solid.”

The Lions’ Keon Hatcher is the league’s leading receiver, while tailback James Butler is second in rushing.