TORONTO — With regular season getting kicked off on June 14, teams are narrowing down their squads as the pre-season schedule is nearing its end this weekend.

Johnny Manziel is expected to start behind centre for the Ticats as they head to Montreal for a bout against the Alouettes. Meanwhile, the Als continue to strengthen their chemistry on the defensive side of the ball with their key additions from the off-season.

Also, it appears Eric Rogers is considering a return to the CFL, but will it be with his former team?

Finally, the Argos’ kicking duel has come to a conclusion.

All this and more in the latest from Checking Down:

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BC LIONS

– Jonathon Jennings is expected to play at least a half in the Lions’ pre-season finale while Ricky Lloyd will finish (Lowell Ullrich, TSN 1040).

– Cody Fajardo’s injury does not appear to be serious after being spotted at practice walking without crutches, however, he is unlikely to play Friday (Lowell Ullrich, TSN 1040).

– David Mackie knew from a young age he wanted to pursue football. One slight problem: there was no organized league near the small town he still calls home (Matt Baker, BCLions.com).

EDMONTON ESKIMOS

– Sophomore receiver Nate Behar continues to practise as he works his way back from injury, while Tommie Draheim and Mat O’Donnell have joined the Esks’ wounded (Dave Campbell, CHED).

– The Edmonton Eskimos still have a decision to make on their quarterback depth chart, but it will not involve Eli Jenkins (CFL.ca)

– Battling with Shaq Cooper for the backup running back spot behind starter C.J. Gable, Jordan Robinson can set himself apart from people by the fact that he can return (Dave Campbell, CHED).

– According to head coach Jason Maas, this week serves two purposes: More preparation time for the regular season opener next week in Winnipeg and more time to evaluate his team before having to set their roster. (Dave Campbell, CHED).

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

– Ciante Evans suffered a broken pinky in the Stamps’ pre-season opener and reportedly could be out a while (Mark Stephen, CHQR 770).

– Despite the loss to the Lions, Stamps defensive backs showed that there are some newcomers who look like they can make some plays (Daniel Austin, Calgary Sun).

– In only his second year with the Stamps in 2017, Juwan Brescacin worked his way into being a reliable option for Bo Levi Mitchell and is poised for a breakout season this season (Daniel Austin, Calgary Sun).

– Reigning CFL Defensive Player of the Year Alex Singleton has plans on winning the award on an annual basis (Alex Medina, Stampeders.com).

– Former all-star receiver Eric Rogers could be on his way back to Calgary (CFL.ca via Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation)

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

– The friendship between Marc-Olivier Brouillette and Mike Edem only goes so far as both battles for the starting safety job in camp (Ian Hamilton, Riderville.com).

– Fresh out of retirement, Zac Stacy still left standing in the Riders offensive backfield (Darren Zary, Saskatoon StarPhoenix).

– Two days after being released by Hamilton, Riders sign running back Storm Johnson (3 Down Nation).

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

– According to multiple reports, Bombers starting quarterback Matt Nichols has left practice with an apparent knee injury (CFL.ca).

– Where might Bryan Bennett fit in the QB picture with the Bombers? (Ed Tait, BlueBombers.com)

– Receivers Myles White, Daniel Petermann, and Drew Wolitarsky getting some work with the first-team offence in last week of training camp (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290)

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

– It appears there’s a strong possibility Johnny Manziel will start the Ticats’ final pre-season game on Saturday vs. the Alouettes (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation).

– The return of Alex Green to Ticats’ backfield gives Hamilton boost on the ground, as well as in the air (Mike Ganter, Toronto Sun)

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

– The Argos announced Wednesday that Swayze Waters has been cut, leaving Ronnie Pfeffer as the winner of the kicking battle in Toronto (CFL.ca).

– Argonauts head coach Marc Trestman has been impressed with Canadian quarterback Noah Picton’s performance in training camp (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation)

– For Argo Alex Charette, Thursday’s game will allow him to reminisce about his college days at Guelph (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun)

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

– The Ottawa REDBLACKS say QB Trevor Harris will be “100 per cent” ready for CFL regular season (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)

– Sergio Castillo returns from injury to join the kicking battle in Ottawa alongside Richie Leone (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun)

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

– All-star linebacker Chip Cox has some catching up to do after re-signing with the Als (Herk Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).

– Amir Carlisle is in a battle with William Stanback to back up veteran tailback Tyrell Sutton on the Alouettes this season (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).