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Training Camp May 14, 2024

Training Camp Notebook Day 3: Lemon returns; Cantin-Arku arrives

PHOTO Pascal Ratthe, Collaboration Spéciale - montreal, Quebec eugenie bouchard - / Friday/ 11/ August/ 2023 - #

On Tuesday, the Alouettes were on the field for their first double practice of camp. Defensive end Shawn Lemon was on the field for the first time this season. The veteran had been suspended by the CFL.

He’s eligible to return to practice because the CFLPA is filing a grievance challenging the league’s decision concerning Lemon’s suspension.

“I’m going to let the due process work itself out,” Lemon said. “I’m excited to be out here with these guys, my teammates.

“It’s like riding a bike. I feel very comfortable with this team and this system.”

The 35-year-old finished last season with 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and one touchdown off a fumble recovery in 13 games last season.

“We’re not disappointed that he’s here,” general manager Danny Maciocia said of Lemon. “We’re happy. His case is being appealed. We’ll respect the process, and we’ll wait for the league to tell us how this will end.”

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2024 first-rounder Geoffrey Cantin-Arku took part in his first practice. The 25-year-old signed with the Alouettes on Monday, boarded a flight from Quebec City to Montreal in the evening, and arrived in Saint-Jerome at around midnight.

“I’m really happy,” Cantin-Arku, who attended Miami Dolphins rookie minicamp over the weekend, told the media on Tuesday, “I played college football in the United States for five years, so my family is happy I’m back.”

He began his college career at Syracuse, where he played with Tyrell Richards before finishing at Memphis University. In his final season in the NCAA, he finished with 79 total tackles, one quarterback sack and one interception in 13 games.

He’ll be a day-one contributor on special teams, and he’ll have an opportunity to compete for some playing time at middle linebacker right away.

Cantin-Arku will be wearing 19 this season, which is a tribute to former Alouettes receiver S.J. Green, who was his favourite player growing up.

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The Alouettes won’t be on the field on Wednesday. Their next practice will take place on Thursday beginning at 8:30 am. You can find the entire training camp schedule right here.