Bombers add returner, dump Giles

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This article was published 17/08/2009 (6136 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have taken a step today to address one of their many roster concerns – the kick-return game – and cut adrift one of the standouts from the preseason.

The Bombers have added import wide receiver/returner Otis Amey to their practise roster and he’s expected to be on the field this afternoon when the club returns to work following Saturday’s loss to the Montreal Alouettes. As well, the team released running back Lavarus Giles from the practice roster.

Amey (5-11, 200, Sacramento State) was with the B.C. Lions during training camp this year but was released. The 27-year-old Hayward, Ca. product was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and in his first regular season game against St. Louis returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. He played in 11 games over the course of the season, averaging 17.2 yards per kick return and 11.4 yards per punt return. Amey spent last season with the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. In 2008 he led the AFL with 50 touchdowns.

Giles, meanwhile, was spectacular during the preseason and was granted a contract extension for his impressive work. But he struggled in the three games he dressed for, rushing 14 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns. But because Yvenson Bernard is a better blocker and more adept at kick coverage – he did fumble two kickoffs against the Alouettes – the team opted to keep him around as the back-up to Fred Reid.