Ambles serves as insurance for depleted Winnipeg receiving corps

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This article was published 04/11/2023 (696 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If all goes to plan, Markeith Ambles won’t play a single down for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this season.

Nothing against the veteran receiver, who was signed by Winnipeg to the practice roster earlier this week. The fact is it’s a numbers game, and with a healthy lineup, there isn’t room for the 31-year-old American on the 45-man roster.

But the odds could end up swaying in Ambles’ favour as the clock ticks closer to next Saturday’s West Final. That’s because right now the Bombers aren’t sure about a two receivers, with Dalton Schoen and Rasheed Bailey both missing all or parts of practice in the last few days.

“It’s that time of year,” head coach Mike O’Shea said following a closed practice at IG Field Thursday. “You look at the depth we had across the board and all of a sudden we’re just a little shy. He’s an experienced guy who has won two championships. He’s mature, he’s seen CFL defences, he knows what to do. He’s already into the playbook so his ability to come in and jump right in is certainly pleasing and what we were aiming for.”

Schoen has been sidelined for the last month after injuring his ankle on Oct. 6 and has been seen around the stadium wearing a walking boot. He has missed both of Winnipeg’s formal on-field workouts the past week, but the real sign of where his health is at will be whether he’s practising next week, when the Bombers wrap up the bye week and start preparing for the West final at IG Field.

Bailey suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury late in the regular-season finale — a road win back on Oct. 27. He missed Thursday’s closed practice and was limited on Saturday.

“He’s been a good player for a long time in this league,” Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros said. “It’s always exciting to get some fresh legs in here, guys with some experience. He’s been fun to see out there.”

For Ambles, he’s grateful to be on a CFL club, still in the fight to win a Grey Cup. He began the season with the Toronto Argonauts but got injured and placed on the 6-game.

Once he recovered, he was released, leading to a shot with the Calgary Stampeders. But after four games, where he registered 15 catches for 193 yards and no touchdowns, he was once again cut.

“I’m just super excited to come into a good organization with a lot of guys that want to win, have good attitudes,” Ambles said. “Everything’s just been good vibes.”

Ambles got his start in Calgary, signing with the Stamps in 2018 and winning a Grey Cup his first year in the CFL. He spent three seasons there before signing with Toronto last year, where he was part of the team that defeated the Bombers by one point in the Grey Cup.

The last week has been a busy one for Ambles, who has had to dive into the playbook and get comfortable with his new surroundings. He said he doesn’t have any expectations; is focus is simply to be ready in case his number gets called.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready to go out and ball and help these guys get more wins,” Ambles said. “I bring a physical play style, a good route runner and is physical in the block game as well. On game day, I’m just that animal savage, a guy that’s going to bring that edge.”

Asked about what it would mean to play the Argos in the Grey Cup, Ambles didn’t want to look too far ahead. But he did admit the thought has run through his head.

“It would be super sweet,” he said. “If that’s what happens, it’ll be a great game.”

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jeffkhamilton