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Simpson shows why Bombers so high on his talent
Chad Simpson at Bomber practice on Thursday. (KEN GIGLIOTTI/ WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
The second day of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers mini camp was the first day for Chad Simpson, who quickly demonstrated why the club is so high on his services.
The American running back was on the field at Canad Inns Stadium Thursday morning, working out next to fellow backs Chris Garrett and Jordan Matechuk. Simpson, who spent three seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins from 2008-10, displayed a lot of speed and some very quick feet in the drills Thursday, as he settles into the start of his CFL career.
Winnipeg hopes he can be the answer for the return game this season, specifically in the kick-off department.
"He had a lot of tools, that’s why (Bombers GM Joe Mack) signed him and why he’s excited about him," head coach Paul LaPolice said after the 90-minute workout. "We want to get him ingrained in the offence and learn. He’s been a great kick-off returner and we want him to return punts, too."
In his NFL time, the 26-year-old Simpson ran back 55 kick-offs for 1,301 yards, an average of 23.7 yards per return.
The 5-foot-9, 216-pound import said he’s in Winnipeg to crack the roster as an impact player, but admits it will take more than a few practices to get familiar with the Canadian brand of football.
The extra man in the huddle will take some getting used to, as will the landscape in front of him, he pointed out.
"The field is wide, as I was seeing today," he laughed. "Crazy-wide. Overall though, I like the game."
Simpson’s arrival – he was scheduled to be on the field Wednesday but missed his flight – was the only real piece of news out of the Bombers mini camp Thursday.
Quarterback Joey Elliott did not practise; he missed his second straight day with a quad injury. LaPolice wasn’t sure if the third-year pivot would be able to suit up Friday, the final day of camp.
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