DAY 6

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/06/2014 (4151 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CROWDED INFIRMARY: The list of walking wounded continues to grow. Among those injured Friday were: DT Ryan Lucas (knee, done for season), RB Will Ford (hamstring), CB Donovan Alexander (calf), DE Jason Vega (hip flexor), punter Mike Renaud (tight back), receiver Donavon Kemp (groin), offensive lineman Tyson Pencer (flu), LB E.J. Kuale (ankle), OL Paul Swiston (off-season surgery); DB Johnny Sears, LB Jessie Briggs (shoulder), SB Cory Watson (hamstring). Asked if the injured list would have him backing off on the workload in camp, O’Shea said:

“I’ve backed off quite a bit. You back off because you’re down bodies… maybe I’m a day late.”

HOGS STEPPING UP: O’Shea was asked if he’s liked what he’s seen from his offensive line so far. And his answer was both revealing and honest.

“Moreso in the last few days than I did in the first few,” he said. “It’s been exciting to watch them come together as a unit. Obviously they had to get to understand (offensive line) Bob (Wylie) and what he’s expecting them to do, his expectations.”

GRANT TO BE BRONZED: The most-decorated, most-famous head coach in Winnipeg Blue Bombers history will be honoured with a bronze statue outside of Investors Group Field.

The football club announced Friday they will honour Bud Grant, a former Bombers player who joined the team as a receiver in 1953 before being hired as the head coach at the age of 29. He coached the team from 1957-1966 and won four Grey Cups before heading south to coach the Minnesota Vikings.

Grant is the third-winningest coach in pro football and is a member of both the Canadian Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame. The statue will be erected outside the Bomber Store at the southwest corner of the stadium, just off Ken Ploen Way.

“I certainly am unexpectedly honoured by something like this. After so many years, it’s quite a tribute, and I look forward to being there,” said Grant.

The 6-foot tall, bronze statue will sit on a three-foot base with an inscription detailing Grant’s accomplishments in football. The cost is to be covered by private sponsors from within the community. Their names will appear at the base of the statue.

The statue is being crafted by Canadian manufacturer MST Bronze Limited, which also cast the Louis Riel statue at the Manitoba Legislature.

The unveiling will take place during the week of the Bombers’ final home game of the regular season on Oct. 25th. Grant will be in attendance at the annual Blue Bombers Legacy Dinner on Oct. 22.

— Tait