Haba steps in with Jeffcoat sidelined by injury

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This article was published 15/09/2023 (765 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HAMILTON — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are hoping a promising rookie can fill Jackson Jeffcoat’s shoes this week.

The 32-year-old defensive end has been added to the one-game injured list with a hip injury and will miss Saturday’s road tilt against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-7).

Celestin Haba, a 24-year-old newcomer out of Texas A&M will start in Jeffcoat’s place.

Haba played the first six games of the year and recorded three sacks, a forced fumble and nine tackles before an injury put him on the sidelines. This will be his third career start as he took over for an injured Jeffcoat in Weeks 2 and 3.

Jeffcoat has five sacks, two forced fumbles, and 17 tackles this season. Head coach Mike O’Shea made it sound like it could be a lingering issue the team is trying to be cautious about.

A hip injury also caused Jeffcoat to miss six games last season.

“You play the long game, too, right. You’re looking at, ‘How do we get through this whole thing?’ This was just the best decision for this week,” said O’Shea.

It’s an easier decision to make when Haba has proven he can play at this level. He was signed three days before the team’s final preseason game but made a strong enough impression to land a roster spot.

“Some of the things you like about Haba aren’t necessarily on the field. He’s got to be one of the happiest guys and I just really enjoy being around him,” said O’Shea.

“When you see him in the hallway when you come to work, it just makes you feel good.”

Haba didn’t know much, if anything, about the CFL when he first arrived in town. He’s been fortunate to learn from two of the best at his position in Jeffcoat and Willie Jefferson.

Haba, who found out on Thursday he would be starting, has been taking a lot of notes from those two.

“It’s been a roller-coaster, but a good kind of roller-coaster. I wouldn’t say a lot of surprises, but there’s just been a lot of things coming at me at once. I’ve been able to take that in and just go from there,” said Haba.

“This season has been a blast for me, honestly, to be around these players, around these coaches and take in the Canada lifestyle and the CFL lifestyle. It’s been a blessing.”

Haba will be chasing a fellow rookie on Saturday in Ticats quarterback Taylor Powell. Despite the inexperience, the Bombers aren’t taking the 24-year-old passer from Eastern Michigan lightly. Powell has just one interception in his last five starts and has completed 69 per cent of his passes for 1,593 yards, eight touchdowns, and four picks in six starts.

“I think he’s done a good job at taking care of the football. I think he’s done a good job of giving receivers some downfield shots and finding Tim White in some key situations to keep drives going,” said linebacker Adam Bighill.

“He’s managing the game well.”

Facing the No. 1 defensive unit in the CFL, Powell’s next test will be a tough one. The Blue and Gold defenders are holding opposing offences to a league-low 16.9 points per game.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31