September 28, 2016

Checking Down: Harris’ status still up in the air, Ticats still fighting injury

TORONTO — Will Andrew Harris be among Bombers returning to the lineup on Friday night?

Plus, where could Willie Jefferson end up as he eyes a return north of the border?

That and much, much more in the latest Checking Down:

Jump to team:

BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal

BC LIONS

 

Anthony Allen is getting another shot in the Lions’ backfield as their running back rotation continues (Farhan Lalji, TSN.ca).

– The Lions lead the CFL in rushing yards by a wide margin, thanks to a large part in 37-year-old running backs coach Adam Blasetti (Mike Beamish, Vancouver Province).

– A Super Bowl Champion with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, Chandler Fenner is bringing a championship pedigree to the Lions’ secondary (Cam Tucker, Vancouver Province).

EDMONTON ESKIMOS

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Shakir Bell looks to have run away with the Esks’ starting RB job (The Canadian Press)

– It appears the Eskimos will have Marcus Howard back in the lineup when they take on the Bombers on Friday (Dave Campbell, CHED).

– No word yet on where he will sign, but Willie Jefferson appears primed for a CFL return and the Eskimos have to be in the running (Gerry Moddejonge, Edmonton Sun).

Shakir Bell has officially taken over the Esks’ starting running back job, supplanting third-year back John White (Gerry Moddejonge, Edmonton Sun).

– The Esks have released international defensive end Reuben Frank (Esks.com).

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

Photo: Michigan State University

Mylan Hicks tragically lost his life in an act of violence early Sunday morning (Michigan State University)

– From coaches to teammates to teachers, everyone raved about defensive back Mylan Hicks (Scott Cruickshank, Calgary Herald).

– Back on the field for the first time since the tragic death of Mylan Hicks, the Stampeders are using football to help heal (CFL.ca).

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

Matt Smith/CFL.ca

Chris Jones and the Riders get some well-deserved time off on their bye (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)

– If Willie Jefferson is set to return to the CFL, could a reunion with Chris Jones be on the horizon? (Dave Campbell, CHED).

– A major part of the Riders’ two-game winning streak? Improved discipline, as the team is taking fewer penalties (Ian Hamilton, Regina Leader-Post).

– The hit that changed Fred Bennett’s life came off the field, as the Riders defensive back reflects on a close call on a South Carolina highway (Ian Hamilton, Regina Leader-Post).

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

andrew-harris-7

Andrew Harris’ status remains up in the air heading into Week 15 (CFL.ca)

– Andrew Harris, Ian Wild and Quincy McDuffie all practised on Tuesday and could return to action Friday vs. Edmonton (Bob Irving, CJOB).

– Former Bombers coaching great Bud Grant will be the next member added to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Ring of Honour (Paul Friesen, Winnipeg Sun).

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

Chad Owens remains out in Week 15 as the Ticats’ injury list remains lengthy (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– The Ticats remain without C.J. Gable and Luke Tasker, while Rico Murray was also among those not practising in Hamilton on Tuesday (Drew Edwards, 3 Down Nation).

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

Jason Halstead/CFL.ca

It is expected that Drew Willy will make his first start for the Argos in Week 15 (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)

– An Edmonton victory in Week 14 has the Argos feeling the pressure, as they’ll need a solid five-game stretch in order to make the playoffs this season (Mike Ganter, Toronto Sun).

– With Drew Willy likely to make his first start as an Argo, he and his new team will be closely connected to any future success or failure (CFL.ca).

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca

Trevor Harris and the REDBLACKS look to build on a Week 14 victory (Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca)

– The REDBLACKS’ O-line took a major hit this week, as SirVincent Rogers is expected to miss the remainder of the 2016 season (TSN.ca).

– With Rogers out, Ottawa first-round pick Jason Lauzon-Seguin will get the opportunity to protect Trevor Harris’ blindside (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun).

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Montreal Alouettes.com

Jacques Chapdelaine will coach his first game as a head coach on Sunday (MontrealAlouettes.com)

– If the Alouettes are going to get as park from Jacques Chapdelaine, their new head coach is calling on the fans to play a role (CFL.ca).