Cobourne questionable for Alouettes
A significant piece of the Montreal Alouettes' top-ranked offence could be missing Sunday afternoon, much to the delight of the visiting Toronto Argonauts.
Running back Avon Cobourne, who leads the CFL in rushing this season with 815 yards, might not suit up for the Week 11 matchup after hurting his right ankle late in last Friday's 30-25 win over the B.C. Lions.
Sporting a 6-3 record, Montreal will be looking to open a six-point lead on the Argos (4-5) atop the East Division with a win Sunday at Molson Stadium, but chances are they'll have to do it without Cobourne.
"I want to play," Cobourne told reporters earlier this week. "But I'll let other people be the judge whether I can play. I've played before after hurting my ankle and didn't reinjure it."
Montreal coach Marc Trestman said he would be "shocked" if Cobourne was able to suit up.
Cobourne, 29, has enjoyed a breakout season, his third with the Alouettes, and also ranks 15th in receiving with 487 yards on 49 receptions.
On Aug. 15, the five-foot-eight, 200-pounder carried the ball 16 times for 107 yards and added 103 yards with five catches in a 32-14 win over the Argonauts in Toronto.
Imoh in the wings
Cobourne has gained 100 yards or more in five starts and is looking to become the first player in CFL history to rush and catch for 1,000 yards each.
Should Cobourne not suit up, his spot would be taken by former Virginia Tech tailback Mike Imoh.
The 24-year-old has played sparingly in one-plus seasons, but did start the 2007 campaign while former Alouette Jarrett Payton recovered from an ankle injury.
Imoh dressed for only four more games, missing the rest of the season with a collarbone injury. He has yet to play this season, but is a more-than-capable injury replacement, said Cobourne.
"He's shifty and he's got fresh legs. He's got that advantage on everybody," said Cobourne of Imoh, who once rushed for 243 yards in college against North Carolina.
The Argos, meanwhile, will be missing linebackers Michael Fletcher (foot) and Willie Pile (high ankle sprain) due to injuries.