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Blue Bomber Report Record: 6–12–0
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
If Buck is cleared Thursday, he'll play Saturday: Burke
Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce during practice at Canad Inns on Wednesday. (MELISSA TAIT / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
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Looking for a Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback controversy? Well, you won't find one here.
Bombers head coach Tim Burke made the situation crystal-clear in his post-practice media interview on Wednesday. If quarterback Buck Pierce practises on Thursday, he will be the starting quarterback for the Bombers (4-10) on Saturday against the Calgary Stampeders (8-6) at noon at Canad Inns Stadium.
Joey Elliott is the Canadian Football League's offensive player of the week, handed that honour on Wednesday in recognition of this three-touchdown performance in Winnipeg's 27-22 win last Monday over the Alouettes in Montreal, but he's the backup quarterback on Saturday if Pierce is cleared to play.
"Buck is going to see the doctors this afternoon and we should know something this evening. If you see him out there taking snaps tomorrow, then you know he is cleared to play," said Burke. "If he isn't, then you know he's not cleared to play. We won't know anything until probably really late today."
Pierce was not available for comment on Wednesday, as he left the no-pads, no-helmets practice early with speculation he was going to have a medical assessment. Prior to leaving, he did participate in the walk-through and was getting most of the repetitions.
Burke said Elliott's performance is still important but it's not enough to take Pierce's job, should he be ready to play.
"I don't think it's that tough of a decision. Like Joey was telling you guys, Buck's our franchise quarterback so he gives us the best chance," Burke said. "I think it's great that Joey had a great game and all that. It speaks to how he's really progressed as a player. We're looking at a guy that can legitimately win some games for us."
Pierce suffered concussion in the Sept. 29 home game against the Toronto Argonauts, a 29-10 loss during which Pierce suffered a helmet-to-chin hit by Argos linebacker Brandon Isaac who was penalized on the play and later fined for the hit.
Burke said receivers Kito Poblah and Cory Watson are "doubtful" for Saturday's game due to undisclosed injuries.
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