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Bombers hope Ian Logan will be ready for practice next week. (JANEK LOWE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store

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NEW SCHOOL: Head coach Paul LaPolice gave the players a chance to get their legs back after four straight days of modified two-a-days, and used the rest period to get their minds around the CFL rules. LaPolice brought in league officiating supervisor Ken Lazaruk to meet with the players in the morning to talk about some of the grey areas -- or areas unfamiliar to American players -- within the CFL rulebook. The education, which spilled over from the video room to the field during Thursday's session, covered everything from understanding the nuances of roughing the passer and a good clean shot on the quarterback to understanding what a no-yards infraction is. Even veteran players like DT Doug Brown and SB Brock Ralph took turns addressing the group, imparting their wisdom to the new CFLers. Even LaPolice was a student. "The players are learning more and that's what we want to try to do. For me, as a first-time head coach, I want to make sure I'm on top of all of those things," he said afterwards.

NEXT QUESTION: The issue of job security and Ian Logan came up in the media scrum Thursday, but it was a discussion that never really had a chance to get off the ground. Logan, the Bombers' starting safety, hasn't found the field yet due to a neck injury and as each day of camp passes, the whispers concerning his starting spot grow louder. LaPolice said the 27-year-old non-import would not play in Sunday's exhibition game against Montreal, and cut off any speculation regarding Logan's role on the club. "We're not going to jeopardize his starting position. I wouldn't do that to him," the coach said. The hope is Logan will be ready for practice next week.

HURT LOCKER: According to the head coach, the following players are still on the shelf: DB Jovon Johnson (knee), DB Nick Kordic (concussion), OL Ryan Donnelly (knee), WR Travis Shelton (hamstring), and DB Donald Brown, Jr. (knee). Decisions on who will be playing in Sunday's dress rehearsal against the Alouettes were still up in the air. LaPolice did confirm that most starters will see at least one quarter of action against the Alouettes.

GOOD-BYE: The Bombers did trim the roster by one Thursday, releasing import Chad Nkang. The former Jacksonville Jaguar, who set a franchise record with 30 special teams tackles in 2007, never found his footing in the competition for a linebacker spot.

HELLO, HOMER: Tim Hortons is teaming up with the Winnipeg football club for a special donut this season. In honour of the club's 80th season, local shops are selling a special vanilla dipped doughnut complete with blue and gold sprinkles. What, no blueberries? The pastry is only available on Bombers' game days.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Rumours were circulating around Canad Inns Stadium Thursday morning that Saskatchewan Roughriders QB Darian Durant was out 6-8 weeks with a fractured thumb on his throwing hand. That speculation only lasted a few hours, though, as the Riders confirmed Durant hurt his index finger -- not the thumb -- and the injury is not serious. He's expected to play in pre-season action this weekend.

Don't forget to check out our Bomber Insider Blog for daily camp updates at winnipegfreepress.com.

-- Wazny

2012 Cup in T.O.?

Reports Thursday suggested that Toronto wlll be unveiled today as the host of the 2012 Grey Cup game. This year's game is scheduled for Edmonton while Vancouver is set to host in 2011.

Crowd control

Another cool, crisp, wet day greeted the fans for Thursday's session, so kudos to those who came out again. The 50 people sitting on the west side deserve mention. And a warm blanket.

Next up

Back to the grind today. Workouts are scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The first pre-season game is in two more sleeps, when Montreal visits Sunday afternoon (1 o'clock).

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 11, 2010 C4