Jovon Johnson headed back to cornerback for Bombers

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/10/2012 (4769 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Who will start at quarterback remains a mystery – what else is new, right? – but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be making one significant roster adjustment for Friday’s game in Toronto against the Argonauts:

Veteran defender Jovon Johnson, the CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player, will be moving from the outside linebacker spot he has patrolled since early September back to his old stomping grounds at corner.

“I’m always excited to be a corner, that’s where I made a name for myself throughout my football career,” said Johnson after practice today. “At the start, I didn’t feel that I was put into a tough situation — it was just a matter of me going out and doing what I needed to do for the team. I’ve had some success there, but I’ve also had some games where I wasn’t as good. I am a much stronger corner, there’s no doubt about that. Every team I’ve ever played for, I’ve always been either a corner or a return man.”

Johnson practised at corner today, but also did continue to take some work at linebacker. The club also looked at Demond Washington, who has been used primarily this season as a ‘dime’ (extra defensive back) at the outside linebacker spot. Afterward head coach Tim Burke confirmed Washington will start at linebacker in Toronto.

“That’s a very similar position to our dime position so he shouldn’t have a big learning curve,” said Burke. “It’s one of those positions where somebody either fits it or they don’t.”

As for the QB mystery, Buck Pierce was the first player on the field this morning and took a lot of the reps with the No. 1 offence – as did Joey Elliott. The Bombers did not make Pierce available to the media after practice saying there ‘was no update or change on his status and that he would be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.’

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Elliott would most likely get the call again if Pierce doesn’t get clearance from the medical staff later today or Wednesday.

“If Buck’s healthy, he’ll be ready to go,” said Elliott. “I don’t know the verdict on that yet, they haven’t let me know so I’m sure you guys will find out probably before I do… that’s how the Twitter works.”

More injury updates:

• Receiver Terrence Edwards was wearing a walking boot on his right foot, but said he will play on Friday
• Safety Ian Logan (ankle) did not practice today, but will be good to go against the Argos.
• Receiver Kito Poblah, who had been questionable, did practice.

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait