Manziel to make rst CFL start against Tiger-cats

e Hamilton Tiger-cats never had the chance to see just how good Johnny Manziel could be in a regular-season game.

ey’ll nd out Friday night. The former Heisman Trophy winner will make his first CFL start when the Montreal Alouettes host Hamilton at Molson Stadium. Manziel made headlines in May when he signed with the Ticats, but never played a regular-season down with the club before being traded to the Als on July 24.

Hamilton sent Manziel and offensive linemen Tony Washington and Landon Rice to Montreal for Canadian defensive end Jamaal Westerman, receiver Chris Williams and 2020 and 2021 firstround picks. Manziel saw action in the Ticats’ two exhibition games but remained on the sidelines as Jeremiah Masoli’s backup once the regular season began. Manziel becomes the fourth di erent starter and fth quarterback overall to play for Montreal (1-5) this season. Starter Drew Willy and backup Je Mathews are on the injured list.

Vernon Adams Jr., released earlier this season by Hamilton, drew the start in last week’s 44-23 home loss to Edmonton. Manziel watched from the sidelines as Adams went the distance, nishing 15-of-28 passing for 217 yards and an interception while running eight times for 72 yards and a TD in leading the Alouettes to a seasonhigh scoring performance.

But Manziel assumes control of an o ence that’s last in the CFL in o ensive yards (253.8 per game), rushing (68.8 yards), plays from scrimmage (293) and touchdowns (eight) and second-last in o ensive points (14.8).