Bomber lineup for Friday’s game still in flux

By: Paul Wiecek Posted: 2:16 PM CDT Tuesday, Jul. 23, 2013

Wide receiver Chris Matthews had a setback at Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice today and will almost certainly not play versus Calgary on Friday, but defensive lineman Bryant Turner looks good to go.

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Wide receiver Chris Matthews had a setback at Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice today and will almost certainly not play versus Calgary on Friday, but defensive lineman Bryant Turner looks good to go.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/07/2013 (4772 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wide receiver Chris Matthews had a setback at Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice today and will almost certainly not play versus Calgary on Friday, but defensive lineman Bryant Turner looks good to go.

Turner, who missed the last two games for Winnipeg with strained chest ligaments, took almost all the first team reps at today’s practice and afterward proclaimed himself fit and ready to go.

“I’m feeling much better and I believe I’m ready to play. And I’m pretty sure I am playing,” Turner said after practice at Investors Group Field.

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Chris Matthews makes a catch before pulling out of practice today. — KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chris Matthews makes a catch before pulling out of practice today.

Bombers head coach Tim Burke said Turner is “probable” to go on Friday and he said Turner’s return couldn’t come at a better time as the Bombers prepare to face a very strong Calgary Stampeders running game led by tailback Jon Cornish.

“He’s very important, especially in this gameplan against Calgary because they’re a very good run team,” said Burke.

Meanwhile, Matthews — who missed last week’s game with a bad back — returned to practice today but didn’t last long, pulling up lame about halfway through the session and withdrawing.

Burke said Matthews is now unlikely to play on Friday. He said defensive lineman JT Gilmore is also likely out again for this Friday.

But Burke said non-import receiver Kito Poblah looks good to go and will likely see his first action of the 2013 regular season on Friday.

Returner Aaron Woods, who the Bombers acquired a couple weeks ago, is also expected to make his first CFL appearance on Friday on special teams.

The biggest question surrounding the Bombers lineup on Friday – who will start at quarterback – remains unresolved, however.

Backup Justin Goltz took all the first-team reps at practice today, while Buck Pierce – who’s still being bothered by abdominal soreness – was restricted to light throwing.

Burke told reporters that whoever takes the first team QB reps for Winnipeg at practice on Wednesday will be the starter on Friday night.