26-05-2025
Alouettes' Walter Fletcher took fumble in Eastern final to heart
ST-JÉRÔME — Sleep never comes easily to Walter Fletcher after a game.
So, understandably, it was a particularly restless night for the Alouettes tailback after November's East Division final loss to the Toronto Argonauts at Molson Stadium.
'After every game, I'm always up because I have that adrenalin from the game,' Fletcher said Monday after the Als' training camp practice at Centre sportif Claude-Beaulieu. 'My whole family came out to see me play, especially after the year before (when) I didn't play as much and didn't get to play in the Grey Cup.
'When you have the opportunity, you want to take advantage. Just unfortunately, it didn't work out that way, but it's also a blessing because you learn from it. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to come back this season, have a chance to compete in camp and work for another opportunity. But it was definitely a learning experience.'
Fletcher wasn't the only reason why Montreal lost 30-28 to Toronto, which went on to defeat Winnipeg the next week for the CFL championship. But like many of his teammates, Fletcher contributed to the loss.
The Als committed six turnovers that day, including four fumbles — one by Fletcher early in the game at the Toronto 35 after a 14-yard gain. Had Montreal scored a touchdown on the drive, the game might have taken a different turn.
A pass in the same quarter also deflected off Fletcher's hands and was intercepted by Benjie Franklin, who returned it 23 yards for the game's opening touchdown. But it wasn't all bad. Fletcher scored a late fourth-quarter touchdown on a 22-yard pass from Cody Fajardo, pulling the Als to within two points. However, they were unsuccessful on the subsequent two-point convert.
'Every play matters,' Fletcher said. 'It came down to that last play, that two-point conversion. If I didn't make those mistakes, the game could have gone a different way. You take full responsibility. I'm here today to get better and learn from it.
'It took me a few months to get over that game.'
Fletcher had a productive season nonetheless, rushing for 764 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 71 passes for 682 yards and three scores. It was the 5-foot-9, 202-pounder's debut as the Als' starter, and he was productive enough that management signed him in December to a two-year contract extension.
But nothing's guaranteed in pro sports, and Fletcher could be in a fight to crack the team's roster despite his veteran status.
He was held to four yards on two carries in the opening half of Saturday's 23-7 exhibition loss to Ottawa before being replaced. Like most of his fellow vets, Fletcher isn't expected to play Friday night, when the teams meet again at TD Place. Stevie Scott, who spent most of last season on the practice roster, had three carries for 30 yards on Saturday.
'I've been here for three years ... and we have some young running backs,' Fletcher said. 'Stevie Scott has been playing well and they do a heck of a job of scouting as well. It crosses your mind at times, but I feel like I've put a lot of good things on tape. You have to make the best of your opportunities. I wish I could have done more in the run game last game. Even with those two carries, I could have been more patient or let things develop more.
'It's a strong competition. Nothing's guaranteed. Montreal's known for playing young guys,' added the 28-year-old. 'I know as a vet my job is never guaranteed. Every day, I have to prove myself and win this job.'
Scott left Monday's practice with an injury and was fitted with a brace on his left knee, although it didn't prevent him from running on an auxiliary field. General manager Danny Maciocia believes Scott will be able to practise on Tuesday.
'We have another pre-season game,' Maciocia said. 'We're going to wait for that game to take place, come back on Saturday. Then we have a body of work with training camp, the first pre-season game. We also have data based on what we know from last year. We'll accumulate all that information and make a decision.'
Another tailback in the mix who will play Friday is Travis Theis. He ran for 1,172 yards at the University of South Dakota last season while scoring 19 touchdowns and departed as the Coyotes' all-time leading rusher. Theis, 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, joined the Als after attending rookie mini-camp with the Denver Broncos.
Note — Starting quarterback Davis Alexander, who wasn't scheduled to play this week, left practice early with an injury to his left hamstring that isn't considered serious.
This story was originally published May 26, 2025 at 2:35 PM.
