Alouettes readying QB Davis Alexander for playoffs in finale vs. Blue Bombers

Montreal's playoff seeding could be sealed before the Alouettes visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the regular-season finale on Saturday afternoon.

Despite that potential scenario, the Alouettes (10-7) are planning to start quarterback Davis Alexander against the Blue Bombers (9-8) no matter how the standings shake out.

If Hamilton defeats Ottawa on Friday night, the Tiger-Cats (10-7) would clinch the No. 1 seed in the East Division because they hold the tiebreaker over Montreal. The Alouettes would be locked into the No. 2 spot before Saturday's kickoff.

Alexander is a perfect 7-0 as a starter this season but has missed 10 games due to injury, so coach Jason Maas wants him to stay sharp.

"I've said this before: He isn't a five-year vet in terms of playing five straight seasons. He needs to play, and he needs to play a lot -- especially against an opponent we may face in the playoffs," Maas said.

The Blue Bombers also have clinched a playoff spot but face an even more uncertain future. They can finish no higher than third in the West Division, but a fourth-place finish would see them cross over to the East as the No. 3 seed.

Winnipeg is 6-2 at home and coming off a 17-16 win against Saskatchewan. Montreal is 6-2 on the road and riding a five-game winning streak, including back-to-back victories against Ottawa.

The Blue Bombers won the first meeting 26-13 on Aug. 21 in Montreal, one of the games Alexander missed. Winnipeg's Zach Collaros completed 27 of 31 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown and Brady Oliveira rushed for 137 yards and a score.

Oliveira was named the team's Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian for a third straight season earlier this week.

"My main focus is just about winning a Grey Cup," Oliveira said. "That's my motivation. When I'm training my behind off in the offseason and grinding throughout the season, my main focus is winning the Grey Cup."

--Field Level Media