Tre Ford leads Tiger-Cats into Montreal clash with Alouettes

Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Kenny Lawler emphasized that the offense will maintain its identity despite Tre Ford taking over at quarterback. "We're pretty much a veteran group on offense," Lawler told reporters. "Just because we got a new quarterback, don't make anything up and keep it the same. You've got to understand the timing and the rhythm of the offense. We've just got to keep doing what we're doing and just rally with each other."

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We're pretty much a veteran group on offense. Just because we got a new quarterback, don't make anything up and keep it the same. You've got to understand the timing and the rhythm of the offense. We've just got to keep doing what we're doing and just rally with each other.

Alouettes head coach Jason Maas acknowledged Ford's mobility presents a challenge but believes discipline can control him. "(Ford) has very much the skillset and the capabilities of making things happen, but if you're disciplined with how to control him, you can do it," Maas said. "He is going to make plays, there's no doubt about that. You just want to limit the damage when you can, but also, when you get near him, we've got to hit him."

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(Ford) has very much the skillset and the capabilities of making things happen, but if you're disciplined with how to control him, you can do it. He is going to make plays, there's no doubt about that. You just want to limit the damage when you can, but also, when you get near him, we've got to hit him.

Montreal is also set to feature DeVonte Dedmon, a highly anticipated return specialist, in his debut for the team. Dedmon, who signed a one-year contract in January, had been sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered during training camp. "It was tough because they gave me an opportunity to play some receiver," Dedmon said. "I was enjoying it and playing pretty well. Then the injury happened. You've got to control what you can control in that moment. The guys had my back and they pushed me every day to get back faster than I should have."

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It was tough because they gave me an opportunity to play some receiver. I was enjoying it and playing pretty well. Then the injury happened. You've got to control what you can control in that moment. The guys had my back and they pushed me every day to get back faster than I should have.

Dedmon's addition comes after the Alouettes released veteran returner Mario Alford. Montreal has struggled with punt returns this season, averaging a CFL-low 10.2 yards. Maas expressed excitement about Dedmon's potential impact. "The type of returner he is, I think, sets up well for how we like to do things here," Maas said. "He's put in a lot of work and effort into getting back and being ready."

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The type of returner he is, I think, sets up well for how we like to do things here. He's put in a lot of work and effort into getting back and being ready.