O’Shea still deciding who will replace injured Bryant Turner

By: Tim Campbell Posted: 2:35 PM CDT Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2015

Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Mike O'Shea says he still mulling over options to replace defensive tackle Bryant Turner, likely out with a hand injury for this week's game at Calgary.

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Mike O'Shea says he still mulling over options to replace defensive tackle Bryant Turner, likely out with a hand injury for this week's game at Calgary.

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This article was published 15/07/2015 (4039 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Mike O’Shea says he still mulling over options to replace defensive tackle Bryant Turner, likely out with a hand injury for this week’s game at Calgary.

O’Shea would appear to have two choices and both are inexperienced; either 27-year-old Nate Collins or 24-year-old Deantre Harlan.

“They’re both active,” O’Shea said after today’s practice at Investors Group Field. His team is in Calgary on Saturday. “Once again, from yesterday and today, I still like what I see from Nate Collins. He gets off the ball pretty quickly. I like his football IQ. I know there was a couple of things yesterday he needed to clean up and we’ll see the film later and make sure he did.

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS files
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea during the second half of CFL action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Winnipeg, July 2. — John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS files Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea during the second half of CFL action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Winnipeg, July 2.

“Harlan is extremely athletic for a guy his size. But they both need more experience.”

One of the interesting wrinkles in this decision is if Collins is tabbed, he will be pulled off the six-game injured list.

O’Shea didn’t want to delve too deeply into the fitness challenge it could pose for Collins.

Both men were in practice again today.

“I don’t think it’ll ever be… coming off the six-game (injured list) I don’t know it could ever be enough,” O’Shea said about fitness. “You’re just not getting those practice reps.

“The only time you get in shape as an interior D lineman is by playing games, taking those live reps where guys are on top of you and you’re getting up, you’re down, you’re up. That doesn’t happen in practice. So I’m assuming it’ll be a little shocking for him if we make that move on the roster. I’m assuming it’ll be a little bit shocking on the first few plays but he’s a pro, he’ll figure it out.”

Today at practice, the 2-1 Bombers had receiver Darvin Adams back on the field and participating. Adams had been off yesterday because of illness.

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca