Jeffcoat eager to hit the field Friday

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This article was published 25/09/2019 (2181 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jackson Jeffcoat doesn’t need a reminder of how long he’s been out of action.

“Seven weeks and six games,” Jeffcoat said, in the matter-of-fact way all players who are hungry for a return from injury usually talk.

Jeffcoat, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 6-3, 253-pound defensive end, shouldn’t have to wait too much longer. Though the lineup for Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats won’t be posted until late this morning, Jeffcoat has been cleared to play and is expected to be part of the 44-man roster to take IG Field.

Jeffcoat was placed on the six-game injured list after suffering a lower-body injury in a loss to the Toronto Argonauts on Aug. 1. He started practising last week after getting a clean bill of health and is eager to contribute after a lengthy layoff.

“I didn’t know how long it would take, and I thought I’d be back (sooner). Obviously, (Bombers athletic therapist) Al (Couture), they know what they’re doing in there, and they’ve done a good job in helping me get back and play at a high level,” Jeffcoat said. “If coach says I’m up, then I’m ready to go.”

To be better prepared for his return, Jeffcoat said he spent a lot of his time off going through mental reps of the game. Whether he was on the sideline or in the film room, he would mentally visualize his responsibilities for each snap.

“So when I’m watching, I’m putting myself in the position of like, ‘What would I do on this play?’ And seeing it and going through different scenarios,” Jeffcoat said. “Even when I’m home hanging out with nothing to do, I just go through scenarios, and I think that’s helped a lot… my body doesn’t know the difference of playing and not.”

While the Bombers are certainly looking forward to having Jeffcoat back in the mix, they weren’t exactly struggling without him. Though Jeffcoat will definitely bring a push to the front four — he has three quarterback sacks and 11 defensive tackles in seven games — Winnipeg had been getting steady production from its defensive line.

The combination of Willie Jefferson, Craig Roh, Thiadric Hansen and Jonathan Kongbo have played well at the ends, with Drake Nevis, Steven Richardson and Jake Thomas plugging up the middle.

“Aggressive ball. Guys are making plays and taking the ball away. Obviously, my boy Willie has been getting back there on quarterbacks a lot. So when I get a chance, I’m going to have something to say about it,” Jeffcoat said. “Me and him are like brothers, so we compete. I’ve loved what the defence has been doing. We’re family. We’re tight. We love to play together, and we’re only going to get better from here.”

The timing is also good for Jeffcoat to return. The Bombers have five tough games to finish off the regular season, and they could use the star power Jeffcoat brings.

“When you’re at the end of the season, it’s like everybody is trying to play playoff ball. So everybody’s coming with their best ball and everybody’s throwing their fastball,” Jeffcoat said. “It’s an exciting time to be playing.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jeffkhamilton