The Montreal Alouettes opened camp Sunday morning at Bishop's University in Lennoxville, QC, where veterans took to the field for the first time.

Defensive back Jerald Brown and linebacker Chip Cox did not report due to family commitments but are expected to have their physicals on Monday and join camp Tuesday.

Wide receiver Chad Johnson was also absent on Sunday. Head coach Tom Higgins said there is no change in Johnson's status, as it appears he will not be returning to fulfill the second year of his contract. Johnson is expecting a child in the next 1-2 weeks, so no decision is expected until then.

Defensive end Michael Sam took reps on the strong and weak side rush end with the third-string defensive core on opening day, and spent significant time on special teams.

The Alouettes added five players ahead of camp including former Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders defensive back Jonathan Hefney; while five players were released, including quarterback John Skelton.

Backup quarterback Dan LeFevour, still recovering from knee surgery, was placed on the injured exempt list while WR Eric Deslauriers and linebacker Bryn Roy were placed on the six-game injured list.

The Alouettes will play two preseason games before the regular season kicks off - Saturday, June 13 against the Ottawa Redblacks in Quebec City and Thursday, June 18 when they host the Toronto Argonauts.

They start the regular season on Saturday, June 25 when they host the Redblacks.