Will the Montreal Alouettes’ attack be led by Davis Alexander on Monday against the Ottawa Redblacks? Depending on who you asked Thursday, you got a different answer.

First of all, it should be noted that there is no controversy over the number 1 quarterbacks in Montreal. Cody Fajardo missed Thursday’s practice at Hébert Stadium in Saint-Léonard because his partner gave birth to the couple’s second child on Wednesday. Alexander therefore took the rehearsals with the Alouettes’ first offensive unit (11-3-1).

Where it got interesting was during the post-practice interviews. For head coach Jason Maas, the plan is to have Fajardo back in practice quickly to start against the Redblacks (8-6-1).

“I expect him back in training this week and I expect him to play on Monday,” said the coach, who seemed fresh and ready after the Alouettes’ last week off.

Maas, however, kept an exit door open by specifying that “plans can always change.”

“But based on our plans, we expect [Cody] to be in the game,” said Maas, who has consistently talked about playing, not starting, when referring to Fajardo.

“Obviously he has some things to do at home first, but he’ll be back later this week,” Maas added.

But when reporters spoke with Alexander, he instead suggested the plan was for him to be the starting quarterback for a fourth time this season.

“I think so, that’s the plan,” he said, smiling. “I think so. I’m not kidding, I think that’s the plan.”

“It’s another opportunity to show off. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play. I want to help the team get back to winning ways. The next three games are against teams that will be in the playoffs, so these games are important.”

Who knows who’s telling the truth.

One thing is certain, however: Maas assured that in the next three games, which will change absolutely nothing in the standings in the East for the Alouettes, assured of first place, Alexander would see action.

“If the opportunity presents itself, it’s clear that we’re going to put him on the field. We want him to be involved, because we don’t want the last significant games he’s played to be more than two months ago. We’re going to put him in when we think it’s necessary. We want him to have the right feeling [before the playoffs].”

For the record: Fajardo and his partner are the happy parents of a little boy. The baby and the mother are doing well.

Mack to the rescue

Another certainty: no matter who the Alouettes’ starting quarterback is this Monday, they will be able to count on receiver Austin Mack, who was back in training.

Mack joined the Alouettes in August after trying his luck in the NFL. After just one game, he was placed on the six-game injured list due to a right ankle injury suffered in practice a few days later.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the field,” the receiver said. “The whole athletic therapy team pitched in to get me back in time for these three games and I’m very grateful for that.”

“I want to use these three games to get my rhythm back. I’m very excited to join the group and help the guys win.”

The 27-year-old American — whose partner also recently gave birth to the couple’s second child, a baby girl — was the Alouettes’ top receiver last season, catching 78 passes for 1,154 yards and four touchdowns. His return gives the Alouettes a group of receivers with more punch.

Mack, Cole Spieker, Kaion Julien-Grant, Charleston Rambo and Tyler Snead look more like the group of receivers the Alouettes were counting on in the 2023 playoffs: Mack, Tyson Philpot, Julien-Grant, Spieker and Snead.

The Alouettes will play their third sold-out game of the season at Percival Molson Stadium on Monday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.