Injuries clear way for Dorzon as running back

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This article was published 27/06/2012 (4844 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Twenty-four hours after watching his window of opportunity open up, Bloi-Dei Dorzon is ready to take the football as the Blue Bombers starting running back.

With Chris Garrett lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg and Chad Simpson (leg) out with injury, Dorzon, a 27-year-old from Jackson State, took all of the first-team reps at practice Wednesday. He’ll be the Bombers’ No. 1 option at tailback when the club takes on the B.C. Lions at BC Place Friday night (9 p.m.).

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a while,” said Dorzon, who joined the Bombers practice roster last September. “I’ve been here for half a season, plus this season, you’ll watch pre-season. I’m ready. I showed you all what I can do in pre-season; that was a little bit.

“I got my opportunity; I’m going to take advantage of it.”

The club anticipates Dorzon will be able to make an impact against the Lions. He’s a hard runner who stays low to the turf, the coaches say, making him difficult to bring down.

“(Dorzon) is an explosive, powerful runner with a low centre of gravity; he can break tackles,” head coach Paul LaPolice told reporters after the Bombers’ final practice before Friday.

“We’re excited about (him) getting a chance to play. (It’s) like I told the players two days ago: Injuries happen, everybody in this room has to be accountable to help us win a football game.”

Rookie non-import Anthony Woodson will back up Dorzon in the Winnipeg backfield.

“I can’t wait for Friday; I’m trying not to think about it too much,” Woodson said. “I don’t think it will really hit me until the lights are on and I’m singing ‘O Canada.’ That’s when it’s really going to kick in for me, and when I realize that I’ve gotten to this stage.”

The Bombers are crossing their fingers that left tackle Glenn January will be at or near 100 per cent when the club departs for Vancouver Thursday. The veteran left practice early but the club suggests it was only as a precaution. January has been dealing with a lower body injury.

Other players not participating Wednesday include defensive back Deon Beasley and defensive lineman Jason Vega. Beasley has been ruled out for Friday’s game; Vega was simply given another rest day Wednesday and should be ready to play.

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BOMBER STAMPS: The CFL and Canada Post are issuing postage stamps to commemorate the 100th Grey Cup Game, one for each of the eight CFL teams. The stamps are available Friday.

Canada Post is also planning to release nine different stamps to mark the Grey Cup itself. Those are expected to be available in August.