The Montreal Alouettes have placed franchise quarterback Cody Fajardo on the six-game injured list, leaving Caleb Evans as the starter against Saskatchewan this week.

Fajardo was hurt after the first quarter of Montreal’s recent loss to the Toronto Argonauts, when he strained his hamstring while scrambling out of bounds. The Alouettes were on a bye this week, but Fajardo did not participate when the club returned to practice ahead of Thursday’s game.

The 32-year-old Brea, Calif. native has completed 77.5 percent of his passes for 1,636 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions in six games this season, propelling the Alouettes to a 5-1 start.

Evans has completed 59.3 percent of his throws this season for 177 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, the most of which came in relief of Fajardo against the Argonauts. Over 51 career games with the Redblacks and Alouettes, the four-year CFL veteran has passed for 3,330 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions, while also rushing 197 times for 929 yards and 30 touchdowns.

James Morgan, a former fourth-round choice by the New York Jets, will play his first career CFL game behind second-string quarterback Davis Alexander. CFL all-star safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy will also return to the lineup after missing the team’s last game against Toronto due to injury, as will boundary halfback Wesley Sutton.

Nate Behar, a veteran receiver who recently joined with the Alouettes, will play as a backup to Shedler Fervius.

Montreal has also placed Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant on the six-game injured list, along with veteran offensive guard Kristian Matte. Nafees Lyon, the team’s starting boundary cornerback, is now on the one-game injured list, and Dionté Ruffin will start in his place against Saskatchewan.

On Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, the Montreal Alouettes (5-1) will play the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-1).

Canadian receiver signed by the Montreal Alouettes

After their Week 7 bye week, the Montreal Alouettes signed Canadian receiver Nate Behar.

Behar has been available since the Ottawa Redblacks cut him loose in February, despite a sizable guaranteed salary clause in his contract. This occurs while fellow Canadian wide receiver Kaion Julien-Grant is dealing with a potential multiple-week absence due to a shoulder ailment.

Due to quarterback problems for the Redblacks, the 29-year-old had his output decline and was only able to play in 12 games in 2023. He was fourth on the team with 39 receptions for 394 yards and one touchdown.

The Edmonton Football Team initially chose the Carleton University product in the first round of the 2017 CFL Draft. Before joining Ottawa as a free agent, he played for two seasons in the capital of Alberta. In 86 career CFL games, he has hauled in 179 passes for 1,926 yards and four touchdowns.

Behar spent four seasons with the Ravens, catching 178 catches for 2,577 yards and 21 touchdowns before becoming pro.

American linebacker Bryce Notree, who was cut earlier this year, was also rejoined by the Alouettes. The Southern Illinois graduate recorded 21 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, and a sack in 10 games in 2023.

Before facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-1) on Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, Montreal (5-1) will resume practice on Sunday.