Adams to start, Manziel reportedly to see action vs. Eskimos

Vernon Adams Jr. is listed as the Montreal Alouettes' starter for their game against the Edmonton Eskimos Thursday. Matthew Shiltz is listed as the team's primary backup with Johnny Manziel listed as the third-stringer.

According to a report from CFL.ca's Chris O'Leary, Manziel will see limited action against the Eskimos, with O'Leary reporting head coach Mike Sherman and the Alouettes organization agreed to give Manziel a "taste of full-speed, regular-season action" against the Eskimos. It should be the 25-year-old's much anticipated CFL regular season debut.

Watch the game Thursday starting at 7pm et/4pm pt across the TSN Network, on TSN Direct, and streaming on TSN.ca.

In other Alouettes practice news, recently acquired receiver Adarius Bowman was not at team practice Wednesday and will not suit up for the team Thursday against the Eskimos, according to a report from RDS' Didier Ormejuste.

Adarius Bowman n’est pas à l’entraînement. Il ne sera donc pas en uniforme jeudi contre Edmonton. 🏈 Adarius Bowman is not at practice. He will not play on Thursday against Edmonton. #Alouttes @LCFca @CFL — Didier Orméjuste 🇭🇹 (@DidierRDS) July 25, 2018

In two pre-season games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Manziel completed 21 of 31 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown while rushing six times for 29 yards.

The Alouettes acquired Manziel in a five-player blockbuster deal on Sunday in an attempt to jumpstart their anemic offence, which has scored a league-worst 69 points in five games this season.