The Montreal Alouettes placed running back William Stanback on the six-week injured list on Sunday.

• Read also: A girl on a mission

• Read also: The Alouettes lose their first game and William Stanback

The 27-year-old hurt his lower body last Thursday in the season opener. In the second quarter of the game against the Stampeders in Calgary, the American writhed in pain, clutching his left ankle after taking a tackle at the goal gate. He then went to a hospital in the region with the team doctor.

“Thank you everyone for your shows of love and your prayers! Hoping I'll be back soon,” Stanback wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday.

In 2021, the running back led the Canadian Football League (CFL) in rushing yards (1,176) and was the East Division runner-up for league MVP. Before leaving the game, he caught a throw from Vernon Adams Jr. in the first quarter and scored the Als' first touchdown of the season.

The Sparrows also announced that they have added American running back Shane Simpson to their roster. The University of Virginia product was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers until recently. The 24-year-old footballer has yet to play a game in the CFL.

According to the Alouettes' website, the club now has two running backs, Simpson and Jeshrun Antwi. Running back Taku Lee is a member of the practice squad.