Blue welcome receiver back for Ticats match

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This article was published 10/08/2017 (2975 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wide receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino, one of Winnipeg’s most unsung players, was back on the practice field Thursday. After missing workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday with an undisclosed injury, Feoli-Gudino confirmed he will be in the lineup when the Blue Bombers face the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton Saturday night.

“Yeah for sure, for sure,” he said. “(It’s) just that time of the year. A little bit banged up and just needed a few days off but now I’m 100 per cent ready to go.”

The veteran Canadian is coming off his most productive performance of the season. He caught six passes for 73 yards, including 34 yards after the catch in Friday’s 33-30 win over the Ottawa Redblacks.

“It was just a normal game,” Feoli-Gudino said. “I was happy to contribute. The ball came my way so I made some plays, just caught the ball and got some yards after. I definitely think we can do better and I can do better personally, too. I wouldn’t say it was a career game. There’s room for improvement.”

Head coach Mike O’Shea has been a longtime supporter of Feoli-Gudino.

“He ended up getting more targets than he usually does and he made good on them,” O’Shea said. “I thought he was good with his yards after the catch… Fought hard, caught the ball well and was where he was supposed to be, on time. What we know about Julian and what we’ve liked about him is he’s a fiery competitor and he’s going to do that. He’s strong-handed. He’s shown us in the past when you call on him, he can answer the bell.”

BYE-BYE: The Bombers announced late Thursday afternoon that veteran defensive back Bruce Johnson has been released. After playing in 47 games for the team over the last three seasons, the 29-year-old has not played yet this year due to injury.

Last year, Johnson was suspended for two games after testing positive for a banned substance — hallucinogenic methylenedioxyamphetamine.

TICATS IN TROUBLE? O’Shea isn’t buying into the Ticats as a wounded, broken-team narrative even if they’re off to an 0-6 start. Any team with Zach Collaros at quarterback qualifies as a dangerous team.

“We’re pretty familiar with Zach Collaros; I am especially,” O’Shea said. “The guy’s a tough quarterback to play against. They’ve got a great front. I mean, they’re going through some changes right now and that maybe presents some uncertainty with how their plans unfold.

“It may not be exactly what has shown up on tape, but they’ve got some very talented players and fierce competitors who get after it. I don’t think it’s a unique challenge. Every team we play has got some very skilled, highly competitive players so, we’re aware of them.”

CHANGES IN STEELTOWN: Hamilton shuffled its coaching staff after last week’s 33-28 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos, relieving defensive co-ordinator Jeff Reinebold of his duties and replacing him with Phillip Lolley, who was promoted from run-game co-ordinator and linebackers coach.

The Ticats have given up a league-worst 234 points.

“It’s like every week — it’s about us. It’s always about us and how we can improve ourself,” Feoli-Gudino said. “That’s the main focus for us this week. Definitely we want to score in the red zone this week because we didn’t do that last week. That’s something we can improve on this week.

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“They’re going to come out hard. They changed coaches and that always brings a spark to the team, to the players.”

CONTAINING COLLAROS: O’Shea was asked if his team will be placing a heavy emphasis on keeping Collaros in the pocket.

“I’d say that would be a good thing, better than letting him run wild that’s for sure,” he said. “As he’s shown over his career, he’s shown he’s been able to create some magic. Even when you’re right around him, he seems to escape pretty well.”

ROSTER UPDATE: Import slotback Weston Dressler (lower body) and import defensive back/linebacker Brandon Alexander (lower body) did not practise Thursday and will not play Saturday. Dressler’s continued absence will open the door for import tailback Timothy Flanders, who was used with good success in Week 7 in tandem with non-import Andrew Harris.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sawa14