By Bob Coatsworth
CFL.ca
Here’s a few things you should know before the deadline tonight.
Corey Holmes returns
Holmes missed the last couple games with a nagging ankle injury, but the running back is going to return for tonight’s game against the Stampeders.
I recommended keeping him out of the lineup in my Start’em, Sit’em column this week, but I’m going back on that advice since word is now out on his injury status. Holmes is always dangerous because he’s so versatile. If you take a look at what he’s done, the 2005 West Division nominee for Outstanding Player is a decent option. While only managing to play in one full game this season, he was a huge part of the offence when he did. Running and catching passes out of the backfield, he collected 155 total yards (85 rushing, 70 receiving) in Hamilton’s Week 1 loss to the Argonauts.
The Ticats haven’t been able to make much happen with Josh Ranek lately, so Holmes could get a lot of work. Hamilton desperately needs a win and I expect them to fight to the end in search of it. That kind of situation only makes Holmes a more attractive pick.
Boreham demoted
Jamie Boreham’s stint as starting kicker has come to an end, at least temporarily. Former Florida Atlantic Owls kicker Mark Myers will start tonight in Boreham’s place.
The 24-year-old Myers was signed earlier this week and after a few hours of practice, the coaching staff has decided to go with him.
Myers was a four-year starter at Florida Atlantic. He made 43-of-59 field goal attempts and is the school’s all-time scoring leader with 230 points.
Boreham was just nine-of-15 on field goals this year, misfiring in several key situations. The former Manitoba Bison missed all three field goals in Week 2 loss to Montreal, and whiffed on a 42-yarder in Week 3, setting up Calgary’s come-from-behind win.
Due to the timing of Hamilton’s acquisition, Myers isn’t available for Pick 10 Challenge this week, but will be next week.
Keith gets the nod
Despite some legal issues, head coach Danny Barrett said yesterday that running back Kenton Keith will play tonight in Vancouver against the Lions. The past couple weeks have been messy for Keith. After getting involved in an incident with a bouncer at a Regina nightclub July 2, he was charged Wednesday with aggravated assault.
I don’t recommend using Keith in your lineup this week. His involvement in Saskatchewan’s offence has been compromised so far by Kerry Joseph’s tendency to scramble. With Joseph rushing as much as 10 times per game, it’s really hurt the four-year veteran’s touches.
Bob Coatsworth works as an editorial coordinator at The Score Television Network and has been a fantasy sports enthusiast for years.
(The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the Canadian Football League)
