Joshua Archibald, a free-agent pickup by Montreal last offseason, has healed from a hamstring issue and is finally set to debut for the Alouettes on Saturday night at Molson Stadium . The fact that it will be against the B.C. Lions — his old team — and at the same stadium where he starred at McGill makes it even more meaningful.

Although it’s happening in Week 6 of the season, Archibald admits this wasn’t how he imagined his return to action would unfold.

“That’s a pretty incredible combo,” Archibald said. “I don’t even know how I’ll feel running onto the field, but I’m sure I’ll get chills. I’m just pumped to finally get out there — and even more so that it’s against my former team.”

The 27-year-old edge rusher spent three seasons with the Lions before inking a deal with Montreal at the start of free agency in February. Players often circle back to familiar places, and Archibald is coming off his best year: 15 tackles on defense, six on special teams, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in 17 games for B.C.

“He fits our scheme well,” said defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe. “His skills off the edge, the ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage — he can do it all. He’s versatile and exactly what we need.”

Alongside Archibald’s return, the Alouettes will also get back starting boundary cornerback Dionté Ruffin (hamstring), who replaces Lorenzo Burns, sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Defenders who play short-side corner often find themselves targeted frequently, which happened to Burns during last week’s 35-17 defeat to Hamilton, where Bo Levi Mitchell repeatedly threw to Kenny Lawler and Tim White.

Thorpe said Burns held up decently and didn’t give up deep completions, but Ruffin’s return in his fourth season comes at just the right time.

“Ruffin has been all over the secondary and played well in every role,” Thorpe said. “He’s returning to a position where he has lots of experience and confidence.”

Ruffin played the full 18-game slate last season and stood out in Montreal’s secondary. He totaled 56 tackles and led the team with five interceptions — one returned for a touchdown.

“I’m the kind of guy who wants to be in the action,” Ruffin said. “It feels great to be back, and I just want to keep things moving forward. Wherever the team puts me, I know I’m ready and prepared to meet the standard.”

Ruffin last suited up in last November’s East Division Final loss to Toronto, lining up at field halfback. That game was marred by six Alouettes turnovers and denied them a chance to defend their 2023 Grey Cup title.

“If I’m being real, those bitter memories don’t go away,” Ruffin admitted. “We fell short of our goal, but we learned a lot from that experience.”.

Montreal (3-1) sits first in the East Division but wants to bounce back from its first defeat and go into the upcoming bye week on a positive note.

The B.C. Lions (1-3) have dropped three straight, but their spirits should be lifted by the return of Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke, who missed the last two games with an oblique injury. Rourke has thrown for 573 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, while also rushing 11 times for 112 yards and a score. The Lions have defeated Montreal in their last four meetings.

“He’s dangerous back there,” Thorpe said. “He moves well in the pocket. Once he takes off, he’s a real threat. He has great touch on deep throws, excellent accuracy, and gets rid of the ball fast. They love vertical plays, and their receivers are top-tier.”

B.C.’s Keon Hatcher leads the league in receiving yards, while running back James Butler ranks second in total rushing yards.