MUAMBA JOINS ALS

MONTREAL (CP) – Canadian free agent linebacker Henoc Muamba has signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes.

The former Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Indianapolis Colt was in Montreal on Wednesday for a medical examination. He will join his new teammates in Ottawa but won’t be ready to play Thursday night against the Redblacks.

“We are pumped that Henoc has chosen to join our team,” coach and general manager Jim Popp said in a statement. “His intelligence, versatility and physicality are welcome in helping us down the stretch as we push for a playoff spot.

“This isn’t just a signing of need at this time, this is a win-win situation for both Henoc and the Alouettes on and off the field in our community, now and in the future. We are equally excited about helping Henoc build his post-football career in the community and we are looking forward to him wanting to work in the Together at School with the Alouettes program with his new teammates.”

Muamba, 26, was drafted first overall by Winnipeg in 2011 from St. Francis Xavier University. He was the Bombers’ player of the year in 2013 when he had 106 defensive tackles.

In three seasons in Winnipeg, the six-foot 242-pound linebacker had 171 defensive tackles, including four sacks, and made 53 special teams tackles.

He was released in February 2014 to pursue an NFL career and signed with Indianapolis. He dressed for 13 games for the Colts last season and had six tackles.

Muamba was released Sept. 5 and became a free agent, drawing interest from several CFL teams.

The Alouettes were shorthanded at middle linebacker with Bear Woods out for the season with an arm injury and Kyler Ellsworth also on the injured list.

Born in the Republic of Congo, Muamba grew up in the Montreal area before his family moved to Ontario.