Former second-overall CFL Draft pick Nick Mardner returns for Ottawa Redblacks

Photo: Aru Das/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Ottawa Redblacks will have one of their most exciting young Canadians back in the lineup for the first time in nearly 15 months when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday.

Nick Mardner, the second overall selection in the 2024 CFL Draft, is slated to make his return from a leg injury in training camp last season. The native of Mississauga, Ont., started all 18 regular-season games for the Redblacks as a rookie in 2024, making 26 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns, but has been unable to play since.

The six-foot-six, 208-pound target is officially listed as a backup behind return specialist Kalil Pimpleton, but could see some rotational reps in a receiving corps flush with new size. The team has listed six-foot-eight Global tight end Jevoni Robinson, who was recently acquired via trade, as a starter, while 2026 second-round pick Emeric Boutin will make his debut at fullback and give the team another potential mismatch weapon.

Up front, right tackle Zack Pelehos has been placed on the six-game injured list with a foot issue. American Julian Pearl will step in as the starter, altering the ratio. Canadian defensive tackle Daniel Okpoko will slot in behind new starter Muftah Ageli in his return to the lineup, while Canadian defensive back King Ambers will also dress.

On special teams, fan favourite and franchise legend Lewis Ward will handle kicking duties this week after he was brought back as insurance. Incumbent Brett Lauther has been placed on the six-game injured list due to a quad issue.

In corresponding moves, Global defensive linemen Blessman Ta’ala and Kemari Munier-Bailey, as well as Canadian linebacker Josh Connors, have all been demoted to the practice roster this week. Canadian linebacker Ben Dobson (knee) has landed on the six-game injured list, while American receiver Cade McDonald is on the reserve roster.

The Ottawa Redblacks (0-6) will host the Montreal Alouettes (6-1) at TD Place Stadium on Friday, July 31, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT. The Alouettes knocked off the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday night, while the Redblacks were on bye.

The weather forecast in Ottawa calls for a high of 26 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 690 (English) or 99.5 Montreal (French) in Montreal or TSN 1200 in Ottawa.

Eligible sports bettors in Ontario and Alberta can find relevant information for wagering on the games by clicking on their respective jurisdiction. Please bet responsibly.

Graphic courtesy: Ottawa Redblacks