Bombers add seven new players in wake of game injuries

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This article was published 27/09/2011 (5457 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Buck Pierce says it’s possible he still might start Friday night at Canad Inns Stadium against the Montreal Alouettes.

But if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers starting quarterback cannot go because of a lingering case of bruised ribs, his backup Alex Brink says he’s ready to take the ball against Montreal in what will be a battle for first place in the East Division.

Brink revealed Tuesday afternoon after Bombers practice that he separated his left shoulder — his non-throwing arm — during a 25-24 loss to the Argonauts in Toronto last Saturday. Brink had come into the game when Pierce was lifted in the first half after re-aggravating a rib injury.

Brink said it was the first time he’d separated either shoulder and that it was re-set on the sidelines Saturday night.

“A couple days off and it feels good,” Brink said Tuesday after taking most of the repetitions with the Bombers first team offence at Canad Inns Stadium in what was the first practice for the club since losing the game and a total of seven players to injury on Saturday.

“It didn’t bother me at all today,” said Brink. “I’m dealing with a little stiffness, but no pain… I’m going to be available to play.

Whether or not I start, that decision will be made later in the week.”

Pierce, who did not practise on Tuesday, said he hopes to practise on Wednesday. He was asked if there’s still a chance he could start against the Alouettes on Friday.

“There’s always a chance. I’ll never rule anything out for sure,”

Pierce replied. “It’s pretty sore today, we’ll continue to do what we do, (the trainers) will work their magic and I’ll try to get back…

“If there’s a chance of me going and I feel good, I’m going to go.”

Pierce was one of several Bomber starters sitting out Tuesday’s practice. Also sitting were defensive lineman Rodney Fritz (hamstring) and Doug Brown (shoulder), offensive lineman Brendan LaBatte (neck) and receiver Cory Watson (ankle).

Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice said Watson will be back at practice Wednesday and it’s possible LaBatte and Brown could be back this week.

Fritz is definitely out of Friday’s lineup, LaPolice said.

Running backs Fred Reid and Carl Volny were both also injured during the Toronto game. The Bombers announced Monday they are both lost for the season with torn ACL’s.

Meanwhile, the Bombers announced a major airlift this morning, adding seven new players to their practice roster. The new players are import receiver Kurt Adams, import defensive end Quentin Davie, import running back Bloi-Dei Dorzon, import quarterback Adam Froman, import linebacker Javon McKinnon, import defensive back Darrell Pasco and non-import running back Nick Fitzgibbon.

Froman, 23, is a University of Louisville product who played in one pre-season game with the Atlanta Falcons this year, going 6-13 for 45 yards and one interception. He was one of the Falcons’ final cuts.

Also Tuesday, the CFL announced Bombers defensive back Jovon Johnson was named CFL defensive player of the week. Johnson had two interceptions — one for a touchdown — in a 25-24 loss to Toronto on Saturday.