Enlarge Image

Shea Emry

Related Items

1. Articles

   • Bombers beat Als, hold onto East Division first spot
   • Tardy Bombers just plane 'dumb'
   • Game Day: 5 storylines
   • Buck 'goes long' for Winnipeg

Enlarge Image

Jade Etienne (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Enlarge Image

Kito Poblah

Getting his chance?

No one wants to see them, of course, but injuries have finally opened the door for Jade Etienne.

The Bombers' rookie Canadian receiver saw a lot of time with the first-team offence at practice this past week, thanks to injuries to Kito Poblah (shoulder) and Aaron Hargreaves (ankle).

Despite the leg injury, Hargreaves is expected to start for the Bombers against the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium Sunday (noon, TSN, CJOB), with Etienne as the second option.

However, if it's determined Hargreaves can't play -- or if he reinjures the tender ankle during the action -- Etienne will finally get some real game time in the offence. The wait has been an interesting test in focus and patience, the freshman admits.

"Aaron is feeling pretty good but it's up to the coaches," Etienne said Friday. "I'm ready to go, though. Every week I'm getting more and more comfortable. That's all I can do -- be ready."

Though the former Saskatchewan Huskie dressed for nine games, Etienne, the fourth overall pick in the 2011 CFL college draft, has yet to catch a pass. His time on the field has been in brief substitution situations, never once finding a ball coming his way. He's anxious for an extended look, he says, not only to help the club but also to see where his game is.

"I'd like to get in there for more than a couple plays -- that's what I'm here for," the 21-year-old added. "Obviously, going up against Brandon Stewart (in practice) every day is pushing me, but I'd like to see what I (have) against other teams."

Poblah shut down

As mentioned, Bombers rookie Kito Poblah is on the shelf with what the club is calling a "severe shoulder sprain." The injury occurred during the Banjo Bowl, though head coach Paul LaPolice wasn't exactly sure when it happened. Poblah won't require surgery, the team says, but he did go on the nine-game injured-reserve list, suggesting he could be done for the year. Poblah saw action in three games (he missed seven with a knee injury), catching 10 balls for 99 yards. Safety Brady Browne (arm) was also put back on the nine-game IR Friday.

Roster watch

Defensive back Jonathan Hefney (quad) and receiver Terrence Edwards (quad) are expected to play. LaPolice was coy as to whether defensive tackle Dorian Smith would come back in. He's missed the last few games with an ankle injury. Defensive end Jason Vega (hamstring) is out.

After missing two games with a concussion, Montreal linebacker Shea Emry is expected to dress. Alouettes defensive back Dwight Anderson is questionable (hip).

Tough road

Despite being a popular tourist destination, Montreal hasn't exactly been a beautiful place for the Bombers over the years. Winnipeg has lost four straight and five of the last six games there. The last win in Montreal came in the 2008 season, a 24-23 victory. Kicker Alexis Serna won the game on a 33-yard field goal with 1:32 left to play.

-- Wazny

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 17, 2011 C3