Courtesy Montreal Gazette:

Jarrett Payton’s Alouettes career officially ended yesterday, when he was released after only one season with the Canadian Football League team.

And Avon Cobourne, his heir apparent, wants one thing made perfectly clear: Even had Payton been healthy throughout training camp, the scenario would have remained unchanged.

“They gave me an opportunity and I felt I won the job,” Cobourne said. “Regardless of whether (Payton) was hurt or not, you would have seen No. 6 (Cobourne’s number) in the lineup.

“Look, I was shocked by the news. Payton’s a great player and leader, and he works hard. I’m shocked, but things happen. I was shocked when they brought him in.”

Payton led the Als in rushing last season, with 852 yards, adding eight touchdowns. But he played only 13 games because of injuries. When Payton missed most of training camp with an ankle injury, that opened the door for others. And Cobourne seized the opportunity.

He probably solidified the coaches’ trust in him by rushing for 107 yards last week on 12 carries against Hamilton, adding a touchdown on a short run. Cobourne also caught six passes for 55 yards and, although only 5-foot-8 and 193 pounds, blocked effectively in the backfield.

He’s expected to be backed up tomorrow against Winnipeg by Mike Imoh.

Als head coach Marc Trestman bristled when it was suggested the organization was quick to part ways with Payton. “I don’t know that we were fast on the trigger,” he said. “We’ve got his best interest at heart. We know what he meant to the team.”

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