O-line stalwart Neufeld glad to be back in the battle

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This article was published 28/05/2024 (530 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Patrick Neufeld returned to the field for the first time since training camp opened two weeks ago.

It was an encouraging sign for the Blue Bombers offensive lineman and a welcome development for the entire Winnipeg O-line — a five-man unit that, after years of stability, has a pair of openings this season.

“Despite what people say, you can miss camp,” Neufeld joked following Tuesday’s workout at Princess Auto Stadium. “I came to find that out these last couple of weeks. When you feel like you still got some juice left in the tank and you want to be out there battling, it’s tough to see that. I’m glad to start building back into it.”

Neufeld had been out with an undisclosed injury that he suffered while training in the off-season. He opted not to add any clarity to the situation, offering only that he’s feeling good and is happy with where he’s at in his recovery.

Head coach Mike O’Shea was also pleased, as he’ll be leaning on Neufeld to prepare whoever wins the job at right tackle that’s vacant following the departure of Jermarcus Hardrick.

“That’s why it’s important that he gets in there because he’s missed a whole pile of camp being beside the guy,” O’Shea said. “It’s imperative that the guys work together, for all five, six, seven of them at times. But when you’re the guy beside the tackle, that relationship is very important.”

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Neufeld plans to line up at right guard when the Bombers open the regular season next Thursday at home against the reigning Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes.

The same can’t be said for several other veterans who have missed all or most of camp so far, including running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Nic Demski, linebacker Adam Bighill and defensive backs Brandon Alexander and Jamal Parker. O’Shea wasn’t overly concerned by the absences, and he seemed confident most would be ready to return next week.

“Is it disappointing that all these guys that we count on couldn’t make it work? Yeah, it’s disappointing,” he said. “I have full faith that they’re going to be ready to go at a certain point and they’re going to give everything they got for their teammates.”

GRANT HEADS EAST: The Toronto Argonauts made some waves when they announced the signing of returner Janarion Grant Tuesday morning. Grant spent the last three seasons with the Bombers, where he became the club’s all-time leader in return touchdowns.

The Bombers made unsuccessful attempts to re-sign Grant over the off-season. They ended up moving on, opting for a much cheaper option by giving a shot to a newcomer.

“Anytime we lose a guy, I’m disappointed,” O’Shea said. “There’s always a bunch of reasons.”

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jeffkhamilton