With Manziel out, Pipkin gets opportunity with Als
MONTREAL— With Johnny Manziel in concussion protocol, Antonio Pipkin looks likely to get a second start at quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes.
Pipkin had one of the best performances by an Alouettes quarterback this season as he completed 14 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown in a 4424 loss in Edmonton on Saturday. He’s expected to be under centre when the Toronto Argonauts visit Percival Molson Stadium on Friday night.
“It’s important to try to get a win,” Pipkin said Tuesday as the Alouettes (1-8) held their first practice of the week.
Pipkin’s CFL days seemed to be over when he was released after training camp, but a run of quarterback injuries led to his recall on Aug. 8, when he was placed on the practice roster.
By then, the Alouettes had acquired Manziel in a five-player deal with Hamilton to be their starter and, they hoped, save a sinking season.
But Johnny Football lasted only two games — a weak CFL debut in which he threw four first half interceptions and a much better second start that he got through despite taking a massive hit while trying to run the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter — before going on the one-game injured list
At the time, the injury didn’t seem serious. But after going for tests last week, doctors placed him under concussion protocol.
Manziel wasn’t at practice again on Tuesday, but coach Mike Sherman said he should be back on the field on Wednesday, although it is doubtful he will play.
“He feels good, his testing’s good,” said Sherman. “They (doctors) wanted to keep him inside today so that’s where he is. I expect him back this week, but we’ll have to wait and see. Doctor’s call.”
Asked if Manziel may be available to dress on Friday, Sherman said: “It’ll depend on how he looks and how he feels after that workout. We’ll see from what type of workout it is whether he’s ready to go.”
He said Matt Shiltz, the thirdstringer last week after returning from a foot injury, will be the backup quarterback.
The Alouettes have only two practices this week, plus a walkthrough on Thursday, so it is unlikely they would put Manziel in without full preparation.
That gives Pipkin another chance to show what he can do.
“He did some things in the (Edmonton) game that could have helped us win,” Sherman said. “A couple of plays we missed on. A couple of plays that could have been big plays.”
They included dropped passes, a recurring problem. One of the culprits, T.J. Graham, was released along with defensive back Joe Rankin and defensive lineman Michael Hill.
“Everybody’s got to be accountable,” Sherman said.