Big plans on back burner

THE question was about disappointment, and Bombers running back Chris Garrett was frank in his response.

"Yeah, I had some big plans," he said during an appearance at practice Monday. Garrett suffered a torn Achilles in his left foot on an innocent-looking play in practice last week and is done for the season.

"Unfortunately they'll have to hold off until next year. Definitely it was disappointing, but I'm not down by it at this point, by any means. I'm just living life as it comes. I don't cry over spilled milk."

Garrett had surgery to reattach the ligament and doctors feel he should be off crutches in a week. Once that occurs, he'll begin the daunting task of getting the foot back into football shape, a rehab that should last most if not all of the season.

The 25-year-old said that he plans to stay in Winnipeg all season.

Cross fingers and hope

PART of the Bombers game plan this week involves crossing their collective fingers.

Head coach Paul LaPolice is optimistic starting left tackle Glenn January can play against the Alouettes Friday, but wouldn't completely sign-off on him making his 2012 debut. The veteran is dealing with a leg injury that forced him to be a late scratch for the 33-16 loss in B.C. last Friday.

January was a half-time participant at practice Monday. His progress will be monitored closely, LaPolice said, adding the club isn't interested in easing him back into work with the hopes he can suit up against the Als.

Been there, done that.

"You gotta see if he can go or not," the coach told reporters. "If you ease him back in and he can't go, you're in the same boat we were last week. We'll see how he is."

Starting right tackle Andre Douglas (hip) won't be ready this week, so look for rookie import Jordan Taormina to make his second straight start in his place.

Swiston's first start 'OK'

PAUL Swiston provided a tough self-evaluation when asked about his first CFL start.

"It was exciting to get out there but there's definitely room for improvement," he said.

The 6-foot-9, 342-pound rookie lineman out of Calgary was pressed into tackle service against the Lions when January couldn't go. Told he was going to play the morning of the game, Swiston said the late notice actually was a blessing in terms of handling nerves.

"Not as nervous as I thought I was going to be," he said. "It was just going out there and playing football."

While he thought Swiston did "OK" against the Leos, LaPolice said the club envisions the hulking lineman as more of a guard.

Stephan done for season

ROOKIE Rene Stephan is done for the season after injuring his knee on a play the Bombers weren't too thrilled with.

"He did very well on special teams, too," said LaPolice. "He had two tackles early...he got hit in the back. I didn't think that was really good."

The Canadian was blocked in the back while trying to get downfield to cover a kick in the third quarter Friday night. LaPolice sent in a tape to the CFL regarding the play, but stressed the clip was merely one of several he was asking the league to clarify.

-- Wazny

New faces

The club added import running back Will Ford and import defensive lineman Youri Yenga to the practice roster Monday. Ford (5-foot-8, 195-pounds; 25 years old) spent four years in South Carolina State's backfield, while Yenga (6-foot-1, 231-pounds; 23 years old) attended Southern Methodist University.

Sick bay

Linebacker Marcellus Bowman (leg), receiver Cory Watson (hamstring), running back Chad Simpson (leg) are doubtful for Friday; defensive back Deon Beasley (hip) and defensive ends Kenny Mainor (ankle) and Jason Vega (undisclosed) are day-to-day. Slotback Terrence Edwards didn't practise Monday.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 3, 2012 C3