MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes issued a statement Wednesday on quarterback Johnny Manziel, who’s been absent from practice this week:

“On Tuesday morning, Johnny Manziel mentioned to our medical staff that he felt symptoms that could be associated with the prescribed medication he uses for a previously diagnosed medical condition. He then missed practice in order to have some blood work done. In view of the hit he received on Saturday and the potential mitigating side effects of his prescribed medication, the Alouettes medical staff has placed Manziel under the CFL concussion protocol for further observation and precautionary reasons. Manziel will be closely observed and assessed in the next few days.”

Manziel didn’t practise on Tuesday or Wednesday. According to multiple reports, Antonio Pipkin has handled first-team reps in Manziel’s absence, while Matthew Shiltz could also be available.

The Als take on the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday night at the Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium.