Lawler feeling great as he prepares to return from injury against Lions

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This article was published 13/08/2024 (422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kenny Lawler’s 2024 campaign came to a screeching halt almost as soon as it started.

The star receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers took a shot near the sideline in the second quarter of Week 1’s home loss to the Montreal Alouettes that left him with a fractured right arm.

“I was hoping and praying it wouldn’t be the whole season,” said Lawler.

Turns out his prayers were answered.

The 30-year-old from California returned to practice Tuesday and was a full participant.

The 3-6 Bombers are fresh off a bye and will head to Vancouver this weekend to take on the B.C. Lions (5-4) on Sunday.

Lawler’s likely to play but head coach Mike O’Shea said they’ll make an official decision later in the week.

“Feel great. First day out there, it’s been a long, long time. Everything I could’ve dreamt of. Man, being back out there, hard hat on with the guys — it’s just an overwhelming, great feeling,” said Lawler.

“It was hard, man. Especially when you’re sitting back on the sideline and not able to really be out on the field and help win games. But, man, I just had to stay patient and help the young guys get to where they are right now.”

The Bombers took a step forward on offence in Week 9’s 25-0 victory against the Lions at Princess Auto Stadium. Lawler would be a huge boost to a group that ranks last in the CFL in points (20.9) and touchdowns (14). Lawler worked with the starters Tuesday while fellow veteran receiver Lucky Whitehead — who caught six passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in his season debut — worked with the No. 2s.

“It’s great to have him back out there, his energy obviously, what he brings to the table from how explosive he is, how great he is catching the football.”–QB Zach Collaros

“It’s great to have him back out there, his energy obviously, what he brings to the table from how explosive he is, how great he is catching the football,” said Bomber quarterback Zach Collaros.

“Having a familiar face back out there, anytime you can add some leadership back on the field it helps. I’m just really happy for him personally.”

Winnipeg isn’t the only team to get a boost Tuesday as the Lions brought back standout Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke who was released by the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The good news for the Bombers is Lawler — the second-highest-paid receiver in the three-down circuit — has B.C.’s number as he’s 7-0 against the Leos when suiting up in blue and gold. In two of those victories, Lawler went for 200-plus receiving yards.

With that said, it’d be hard to expect a dominant showing like that after missing eight games and while still wearing a protective sleeve on his forearm.

“I’m not really thinking about this arm, I really can’t, because when I’m thinking about it, it might take away from my play on the field,” said Lawler.

“Everyone has a plan until they get hit, so, I’m just waiting until I get hit to formulate a real plan and then we’ll go from there. But, yeah, to be honest, when I’m on the field, I try not to think about it as much as possible.”

Hello Haba

Lawler wasn’t the only starter to dust off the shoulder pads as second-year defensive end Celestin Haba also returned to action from a lengthy absence.

Haba, who went down with a knee injury in Week 2, participated for the first time since and took turns rotating in on the D-line.

“I don’t think Haba left the building over the bye. I think he stayed and worked, knowing what’s ahead of him,” said O’Shea.

“A bunch of guys do that. They know what is at stake and they don’t want to take any time away from that and they want to get back as quickly as possible, so it doesn’t surprise me.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31