Smith returns to give return game a boost

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This article was published 18/06/2024 (490 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One week Chris Smith was running down the field on a 109-yard punt return score.

The next he was watching the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from the stands as they took the field for Week 1.

“It was a humbling experience, man,” said Smith after Tuesday’s practice. “To be on top of the world, just to do what you always dreamed to do, to tell your wife you’re gonna score a touchdown and you score one, and then the next thing you know you’re at the bottom where you started at.”

The American rookie was cut the day after his electrifying preseason score as he suffered a knee injury in the same game. He stayed in town to rehab and crossed his fingers he’d get asked to rejoin the team once he recovered. That offer came this past weekend, and Smith has been on the field with the team these past two days splitting the return reps with fellow rookie Myron Mitchell.

Mitchell, who fumbled in the first game, hasn’t made much of an impact through two weeks, but also hasn’t gotten much help from his blockers.

Even though Smith is back, head coach Mike O’Shea made it sound like his number won’t be called this Friday against the B.C. Lions (7:30 p.m.).

“I still think there’s a difference between in shape enough to practice and then what goes on in a game, but I like what I’ve seen so far. He certainly seems like he stayed on top of his stuff, too, which is important,” said O’Shea.

No one in the crowd recognized Smith when he was limited to being a spectator, but he’s hoping he’ll get another crack at the lineup so it’ll be different the next time he’s surrounded by fans.

“Not yet, maybe after a couple more touchdowns,” said Smith.

Oliveira watch

It was another day in street clothes for running back Brady Oliveira.

Oliveira hasn’t practised since the season-opening loss against Montreal and his status for this week remains in question.

“He’s working extremely hard and making a lot of progress, so we’ll see where that lands him,” said O’Shea.

Oliveira played all 18 games in 2022 and 2023

“Look, you play this sport long enough, you’re gonna get nicked up. You’re gonna have some up and down seasons, that’s just part of the game,” said backup running back Johnny Augustine.

“He’s strong physically and mentally, I know he’s in a good spot, I know he’s OK and doing everything he can to get back on the field so I’m not wroried about him. And when he gets back on the field, he’s gonna be the same Brady.”

Nichols banged up

The already banged-up Blue Bombers might be without the face of their secondary against the Lions.

Star halfback Deatrick Nichols left last week’s 23-19 loss in Ottawa early with an injury and hasn’t suited up at practice since.

If Nichols can’t go, the Blue and Gold will turn to rookie Marquise Bridges.

“He’s the best in the league, and when the shoes are that big, we all walk in it together. It’s not just one guy,” said Bridges. “It’s a challenge because he means so much to this organization and this defence specifically.”

The 27-year-old newcomer brings a winning resume as the Minnesotan signed with Winnipeg after two seasons in the Indoor Football League where he won championships with the Bay Area Panthers and Northern Arizona Wranglers. He also won four national titles at North Dakota State University at the FCS level.

“I’ve definitely been around some great organizations and that’s what this team has been and what we’re still striving to be,” said Bridges.

“I’m just glad to be a part of something like this. This organization knows how to win and what it takes… But at the end of the day, we got to win now.”

Wheatfall wishes he scored

His debut wasn’t quite LeBron-esque, but it certainly was impressive.

Rookie receiver Keric Wheatfall, who’s taking over for an injured Kenny Lawler and compared his own game to the basketball superstar prior to making his CFL debut last Thursday in Ottawa, led the Bombers with 111 receiving yards on three catches.

“You gotta go out there and have that (expletive) confidence, man,” said Wheatfall. “You got to speak it into existence and go out there, put your best foot forward and run off with it.”

He did most of his damage on a 49-yard catch and run in the third quarter that should’ve resulted in a touchdown, but he took a wrong angle and was tackled a few yards short. It was tough rewatching that one on film.

Fortunately for him, backup QB Chris Streveler ended up punching it in, so no damage was done.

“I was like ‘Frick, I suck right now.’ I shouldn’t have even looked back, I should’ve just ran down the sideline and scored,” said Wheatfall.

“I was looking back at the corner and I didn’t even know there was a safety coming back over the top. My homies back at the crib were like ‘Bro, you gotta score that. You had a great game, but that s – -t didn’t look too good.’ I gotta push it in next time, and I will.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31