Bombers tap Nichols as starting QB at Banjo Bowl

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This article was published 08/09/2015 (3991 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Matt Nichols is going to start at quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in this Saturday’s Banjo Bowl at Investors Group Field.

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said Nichols — who the Bombers acquired from Edmonton in a trade last week — is one of several personnel changes the club is making after a 37-19 loss to Saskatchewan in Regina on Sunday dropped Winnipeg’s season record to 3-7.

“We’re constantly looking to improve at all phases — offense included. And we’re making changes right now. Matt Nichols is going to get the start at quarterback and we’re going to make some other personnel changes to try and get this thing back on track,” said O’Shea.

The Bombers also announced this morning that they have fired special teams coordinator Pat Tracey. O’Shea will take over Tracey’s duties.

And there were also other personnel moves evident Tuesday afternoon at Investors Group Field as the Bombers returned to practice.

Linebacker Chris Randle, who hurt his knee on Sunday, was absent from practice and replaced at strong-side linebacker by safety Maurice Leggett. Lin-J Shell, in turn, replaced Leggett at safety.

O’Shea said Randle is still undergoing tests but he definitely won’t be available this week and could be out for awhile.

There was also a change of personnel on the offensive line, where left guard Chris Greaves was replaced by import Sam Longo.

Meanwhile, injured defensive tackle Bryant Turner — who missed Sunday’s game — was back practicing on Tuesday.

O’Shea said the decision to let Tracey go was difficult. “We go back to university,” said O’Shea. “Pat’s a professional coach and he understands the business. As they say, it’s a great game and a terrible business.

“But it’s a decision we had to make to go forward. We can’t keep living in a world where our special teams are reasons why we lose.”

A 60-yard punt return touchdown by the Roughriders on Sunday was the third punt return TD the Bombers have given up in a season in which there have only been 7 punt return TDs in the entire league.

O’Shea was asked on Tuesday if he fears for his own job given the Bombers precipitous slide and a four-game losing streak. “I don’t think about losing my job, no. I think about getting up every morning and coming to work and seeing the guys and making sure I’m doing everything I can do to make them successful.”

O’Shea, meanwhile, said his team is actively pursuing former linebacker Henoc Muamba, who was cut by the Indianapolis Colts over the weekend. Muamba had a workout with the New York Giants this week and his agent has also asked for offers from CFL teams.

“Would he make this team better? I think Henoc Muamba makes any team better. He’s a fantastic player — he’s an all-star calibre player,” said O’Shea.

“I’m sure we’re talking to him. Henoc enjoyed his time in Winnipeg and I’m sure we’d be on the list. But it’s a nine-team list, I’m sure.”

email: paul.wiecek@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @PaulWiecek