Some Alouettes unconcerned over uncertainty at quarterback

MONTREAL — Speculation about who will be the starting quarterback has been the main topic at the Montreal Alouettes camp, but the players who will catch their passes aren’t sweating over it.

Veteran Drew Willy and second-year pivot Matt Shiltz, backups to the departed Darian Durant on last year’s 3-15 team, are the clear front-runners for the job.

“It’s like a 1A, 1B situation,” Chris Williams said Friday. “What’s really important for us receivers is feeling comfortable with each guy.

“Whoever gets in, we’ll have a good rapport and it’s nice to have a guy you can trust in that backup role. We experienced that in Ottawa (in 2016) when Hank (Henry Burris) went down and Trevor (Harris) stepped in and we didn’t miss a beat.”

“Drew, Shiltz, we played with those guys last year,” said slotback B.J. Cunningham. “We have great chemistry with those guys, so whichever they put out there, we’re going to be just fine.”

The Alouettes hope to have a solid receiving group to help them along, although the retirement of veteran Nik Lewis removed a dependable short-range option.

Cunningham, who was among the few Alouettes on offence to shine last season with 1,128 receiving yards, and Ernest Jackson are back as the slotbacks.

“We have a lot of seasoned veterans, guys who played in the league and won Grey Cups,” said Cunningham.

“Up and coming guys like (wide receiver) Geno Lewis and guys like me who want to be one of those winning veterans.”