Pierce not certain for Sunday

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This article was published 15/11/2011 (5255 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Injured Winnipeg Blue Bombers starting quarterback Buck Pierce will practise today when the Bombers return to the field at Canad Inns Stadium in advance of Sunday’s CFL East Division Final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

But Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice said whether Pierce — who sprained his knee in late October and missed Winnipeg’s final regular season game — will play on Sunday is yet to be determined.

“I had a talk with the training staff today and we’ll see how Buck is on Day 1. His treatment’s been going fine. He seems fine. We’ll see how he is,” LaPolice said.

LaPolice said Pierce was among the Bombers quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and defensive backs who had an informal practice at Canad Inns Stadium Sunday morning prior to sitting down to watch Hamilton defeat the Montreal Alouettes 52-44 in Sunday afternoon’s wild East Division semifinal game.

LaPolice said he was impressed with the Ticats’ dethroning of the two-time defending Grey Cup champions. “Hamilton did a great thing on the road. They were able to find a way to win the football game.”

LaPolice was asked to describe the mood around his club as they prepare to play a game that would put them in the Grey Cup with a victory. “We’re excited with the process. It’s a lot of fun around here right now,” said LaPolice, “because you get win and you can advance. I think we’re doing everything in our power to make sure we’re prepared.”

LaPolice said one of his messages to his charges this week will be that Winnipeg’s 3-0 regular-season record against Hamilton is now meaningless. “Certainly the message has to be for those guys is, what’s past is gone. Doesn’t matter. What matters is our focus and prep for this week. We’re facing a very hungry football team and have to get ready.”

LaPolice said starting safety Ian Logan, who like Pierce missed the final regular-season game after he had his appendix removed, will also practice this week.

“We’ll see how he is,” said LaPolice. “I think he’s going to be fine.”

LaPolice said a couple of other players with longer-term injuries — defensive back Brady Browne and receiver Kito Poblah — will also practise this week and could return to the lineup on Sunday. “Pretty much everyone is practising this week,” said LaPolice. “That’s what the bye week gives you — a chance for everyone to get healthy.”

LaPolice, meanwhile, confirmed centre Obby Khan will also return to the starting lineup on Sunday, with Brendon LaBatte returning to his customary position at left guard and Chris Greaves returning to the backup role. Khan had sat out for the final two games of the regular season, with LaBatte taking his spot and Greaves playing at guard.

With a very aggressive Hamilton front seven lying in wait for Winnipeg, LaPolice said he felt more comfortable with as little disruption as possible on his offensive line.

“Probably the best matchup for us, after seeing how the guys performed, is having less change. And less change is with Obby at his spot and having Brendon at his spot. That was the biggest part of the decision. That gives us the best chance after analyzing the last couple games.”

LaPolice made the comments the same day the Bombers announced that Khan had been named this year’s recipient of the Cal Murphy ‘Heart of a Legend’ Award, which is handed out annually in honour of the Bombers player who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the league and the community.

It’s the third time Khan has received the award, which is voted on by the players and is in part a recognition of Khan’s support of Project Echo, a local charity and fundraising group he started with Manitoba Bisons linebacker Thomas Hall and friend Jeff Fisher.

The Bombers also announced on Monday that there are now less than 1,000 tickets remaining for Sunday’s East Division Final. If all the tickets go, it would be the eighth consecutive sellout for the Bombers at Canad Inns Stadium this season.

paul.wiecek@freepress.mb.ca