After new defensive-tackle Moton Hopkins recorded two quarterback sacks in his first game for the Alouettes, against Edmonton in August, Eric Wilson said he hoped Hopkins would remain on Montreal’s active roster.

But now, heading into Monday’s game at Hamilton, it would appear Wilson’s being benched so Hopkins can continue playing.

Through a number of circumstances, Wilson isn’t expected to be dressed against the Tiger-Cats.

Non-import middle-linebacker Shea Emry will miss the game with a concussion. He’s being replaced on the roster by Ryan Lucas, a non-import defensive tackle. J.P. Bekasiak, a Canadian, starts at defensive tackle along with Hopkins, who provides the team with more special teams value than does Wilson.

Head coach Marc Trestman emphasized this isn’t a demotion for Wilson. Nor was the move made because of a lack of production.

“It was a very tough call,” Trestman explained. “It was a very, very difficult decision because he means so much to the team. It was one of the toughest ratio decisions we’ve had to make. Eric’s a stand-up guy. He took it like a pro, although he’s very disappointed.

“He’s also a little dinged. Giving him a week to rest his body isn’t all that bad for a 32-year-old.”

Ramon Guzman will replaced Emry at middle-linebacker. Diamond Ferri gets the start at weak-side linebacker.

Meanwhile, quarterback Anthony Calvillo returned to practice. But returner Tim Maypray will miss his second consecutive game and went for an MRI on his injured leg. He’ll be replaced, again, by Perry Floyd.

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