Prospect of sitting out pains Simon

Enlarge Image

Geroy Simon

SURREY, B.C. -- Geroy Simon was in plenty of pain Wednesday at practice.

However, the discomfort was more emotional than physical as the B.C. Lions slotback stood and watched his teammates work without him for the second straight day. After testing out a wonky hamstring on his own, he declared himself fit to play in Saturday's rematch with the Montreal Alouettes at BC Place.

"It felt good," said Simon. "I felt quick, I felt fast, I didn't feel any pain, I didn't feel any tightness. So I feel really good -- ready to go."

Simon's absence raised questions because he said a day earlier he would practise. He was sidelined in the second quarter of last weekend's 30-25 loss in Montreal.

The 13-year veteran is anxious to show what he could have done if he had been healthy. The West Division-leading Lions (6-3) are seeking to increase the precarious two-point lead they hold over the second-place Calgary Stampeders. The East Division-leading Als (6-3) have a similar advantage over the Toronto Argonauts.

"For me to come out here and just have to watch practice, it hurts," said Simon. "Me not being able to play, it makes it even worse. I felt that I could have helped the team, and I could have been a deciding factor. But, unfortunately, I wasn't there."

The Lions lost after quarterback Travis Lulay was unable to complete an attempted touchdown pass to Arland Bruce on B.C.'s last play of the game.

Simon, the CFL's all-time leading receiver, has not missed a game since he was sidelined for two contests in 2008, also with a hamstring injury. He said the problem then was much worse.

Simon said the decision on his status Saturday was up to general manager Wally Buono, coach Mike Benevides and trainer Bill Reichelt. Benevides said he will wait until an hour before game time before he unveils his lineup.

Carr to Riders for prospect

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos have acquired the rights for offensive lineman Matthew O'Donnell from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for wide receiver Greg Carr, the club announced Wednesday.

O'Donnell was drafted by the Roughriders in the second round of the 2011 CFL Canadian draft, but he opted to sign with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals. He spent the 2011 season on the Bengals practice roster and was cut by the team this season.

The Comox, B.C., native played college football with Queen's University in the CIS. He was named the top CIS offensive lineman in 2009 and 2010.

"From our perspective, we are very pleased to gain the rights to a quality young Canadian offensive tackle," Eskimos general manager Eric Tillman said in a statement.

Carr, a former Winnipeg Blue Bomber, appeared in six games with the Eskimos, registering 19 receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 6, 2012 C2