Injured QB Pierce to miss next Bombers’ game

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This article was published 18/07/2010 (5862 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce has a sprained right knee and will miss the next game — possibly more.

That was the injury report from head coach Paul LaPolice at the Bombers offices this afternoon. LaPolice said the pivot will skip Saturday’s game versus Edmonton and his status will be evaluated for the game after that, a July 31 contest in Calgary.

The starting pivot went down in Friday’s game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Late in the third quarter, Pierce fell to the turf awkwardly, his knee twisting behind his body, as he was taken to the ground by Ticats DT Demonte Bolden. He left the game immediately and was noticeably limping on the sidelines.

The Bombers quarterbacking duties now fall to back-up Steven Jyles. After two seasons in Saskatchewan, the 27-year-old came to Manitoba in the off-season, looking for a chance to be a CFL regular. The Louisiana-native gets that opportunity Saturday, when Winnipeg (1-2) hosts the winless Eskimos (0-3) at Canad Inns Stadium (5:30 p.m.).

It will be Jyles’ second CFL start in his five-year career.

Pierce, who came to Winnipeg in the off-season amid concerns regarding his extensive injury history, quickly established himself as the on-field leader. His numbers after three games: 52-of-79 for 774 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. On the ground, the 28-year-old rushed for 192 yards and two TDs. Pierce was named the league’s offensive player of the week in Week 2 when he threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns in a loss to Toronto.

The Bombers are now in the market for a third quarterback, LaPolice said. The club returns to practice Tuesday.