Blue Bombers’ ground game a work in progress

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This article was published 26/08/2021 (1478 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The numbers will tell you that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have not rushed the ball well these past two weeks.

Bombers running back Brady Oliveira rumbled for 126 yards on 22 carries in Week 1 against Hamilton, but since then, the Winnipegger has been quiet.

In these past two weeks against the Toronto Argos, Oliveira has failed to hit 30 yards rushing in a game. The previous two games saw Oliveira get handed the ball 20 times for a total of 57 yards for a yards per carry average of 2.85.

“People seem to be worked up about that, but the fact is we start every game understanding that however the game sort of unfolds is how we’re going to play it and we’re going to do whatever it takes in terms of play calling to try and win the game,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea on Thursday.

“If that means running the ball more or running the ball less, that’s what we’re gonna have to do. I think everybody historically understands that our O-line is a fantastic group that knows how to run the ball. We’ll just keep at it and keep with it until we have the success that we’re used to having.”

Oliveira, who has filled in for an injured Andrew Harris for the first three games, isn’t panicking, either.

“You’re not gonna rush for over 100 yards every game. It’s pro football,” said the second-year player out of the University of North Dakota.

“You play against some great teams. Obviously, Toronto has a great D-line, a great linebacking core, lots of vets on that defence. It is what it is… At the end of the day, just want to go out there and do my job and those big games will come.”

Practice was closed to the media Thursday, but O’Shea said Harris remains limited. It’s unknown if Harris will be good to go for Sunday’s battle at home against Calgary, but either way, it appears he’s getting close to receiving the greenlight.

Offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce was asked how big of a boost to the offence it’d be if Harris returned.

“We’ll see how Andrew looks closer to game time and those things. But the person that he is and getting him a little bit more moving around and feeling a little bit better, it kind of lifts everybody up a little bit, just his presence out there. So, we’ll see how he looks, but obviously we all know the player that Andrew is.”

COVID IN THE CFL

The Edmonton Elks announced Thursday they’ve had an additional two players test positive for COVID-19, bringing their team total to 14.

The Elks, who beat the B.C. Lions 21-16 last week on the road, were supposed to play the Argos in Toronto on Thursday, but the game has been postponed owing to the outbreak.

“I’m glad it wasn’t us. As a CFL brother, you feel for them. You hope no one has any serious ill will from it,” said Bombers defensive tackle Jake Thomas.

“Obviously it’s unfortunate, but when we all signed up, we realized this was a possibility. I think everyone’s just gonna stay focused, keep washing their hands and hopefully you don’t see it happen over and over again. I think it was a big wake-up call for everyone across the league.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @TaylorAllen31