Don’t count Demski out just yet

Call it Nic Demski watch week.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ star receiver is undoubtedly the player under the most watchful of eyes in the penultimate week of the regular season, as he recovers from a hamstring injury that he suffered in the club’s 25-20 road loss against the Edmonton Elks last weekend.

Demski, who was listed as a game-time decision while he awaited the birth of his son, pulled up lame on a deep route in the second quarter, grabbing at the back of his leg, and did not return to the contest.

Sitting the homegrown 10-year pro for the remainder of the game appeared to be more than a precautionary measure by the club, as Demski did not practise on Tuesday, which leaves his status for Friday’s critical matchup against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Princess Auto Stadium (7 p.m.) in question.

“No update yet,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.

A hamstring injury — regardless of the severity — will always draw extra concern for a player who does as much running as receivers do. O’Shea, who will occasionally reveal if an injury is season-ending for a player, offered a bit of optimism for fans after being pushed for a more detailed answer.

“Well, it’s not (season-ending) then, obviously,” he said.

Wednesday will be Demski’s last chance to test out his wheel in a practice setting, as the Bombers hold a walk-through on Thursday.

The 31-year-old has continued to age like fine wine this season, leading the Bombers in every major receiving category while his seven touchdowns are the most he’s scored since 2022. Demski is also just 30 yards away from setting a new single-season career high in receiving yards.

With Dalton Schoen going down with a season-ending injury earlier this year, Demski has been leaned on more than ever. He’s the most experienced and most trusted weapon for quarterback Zach Collaros.

The next question is who will need to step up in Demski’s potential absence.

The Bombers tested out a couple of new looks on Tuesday, including Keric Wheatfall lining up at wideout with the first-team offence, and Kevens Clercius and Gavin Cobb jumping into the slot, which was occupied by Demski and Dillon Mitchell last week.

“Everybody as a group has to understand what their job is even more,” said Collaros.

“As I always tell you guys, Nic does a ton for us. So when he’s not out there, it can make stuff difficult,” Collaros added. “Obviously, when you’re in a game where a lot of things are drawn up for him or he problem solves a lot for us, so it’s imperative for us — not just this week, but every week — to make sure that we understand if, in a worst case scenario, he’s not playing, what we need to do to continue to execute.”

“Everybody as a group has to understand what their job is even more.”

If Demski is a no-go, could it be Pokey Wilson’s show?

The 26-year-old, who rejoined the Bombers last month after a brief stint in the NFL, has bolstered the receiving corps, hauling in 18 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns in five contests.

“I think they’re all important,” said offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan. “We got to rely on every receiver. So, I mean, (Wilson) brings some juice. He’s definitely a good down-the-field threat, but I think everybody’s got a part.”

Wilson has shown a clear rapport with Collaros that seamlessly carried over from his sensational rookie campaign, where he recorded 71 receptions, 1,026 yards and three touchdowns.

“Probably better from a starting point, because I know him now,” said Collaros. Early in the season last year, when he was finding his way onto the roster, I think he was playing field two (wideout) for us… he wasn’t necessarily our go-to guy early in the year. As the season went on, I think he became one of those guys for us, obviously.

“I think just carrying over from last year and into this year, and obviously he’s a smart guy, he understands what we’re doing — you don’t tell him a lot of things twice. And you guys see it week in week out, not just on the field during games, but at practice. He can make a play when the ball is in the air. So it’s been great to have him back.”

Wilson, who typically stays quiet during the week and lets his play do the talking, said he would relish the opportunity to play in an elevated role.

“Anything to help the team, I’m willing to do, honestly. So if I have to step up and play my role, I’m willing to step up,” said Wilson, whose miraculous fourth-quarter catch last weekend has blown up his social media in recent days.

“As a receiver, I’m sure any receiver loves when the ball comes his way.”

He may see a lot of pigskin thrown his way as the Bombers’ offence looks for a much-needed bounce back. At this point, there are more questions than answers about a unit that has the second-fewest touchdowns among all teams, while its starting quarterback is tied for the most interceptions in the league (15).

It’s particularly concerning considering the time of year — Week 20 — when all units are expected to be a well-oiled machine with playoffs around the corner. Winnipeg is stuck in neutral, and it may need to search for another gear without the engine of its passing attack this week.

“You’ve got to play a clean game, like we always talk about. Whether that’s winning turnover battles, executing plays in critical situations, when we’re in scoring territory — scoring touchdowns, not field goals — all those things,” said Collaros.

“Seems like we’ve had to say that a lot this year, but we have to make sure that we fine-tune everything.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jfreysam