Ed Tait Thinks You Should Know…

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/07/2009 (5936 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BROWN DOWN:

Mike Kelly confirmed Tuesday that all-star defensive tackle Doug Brown will not be in the lineup against the Stamps. Brown has been fighting a viral infection for more than a week and has dropped close to 20 pounds in the process. And a trip to the all-day buffet isn’t simply going to get him ready for the home opener.

"He was hitting it pretty good (eating) last night. I was kinda, ‘Just a couple more wings… C’mon Doug,’ " joked Kelly. "At this stage, I really don’t know if Doug’s going to be ready to play. He lost some significant weight and it’s not so much getting his weight back, but getting him feeling like he is physically strong enough again to go out there and perform like a Doug Brown. I don’t think that will take long, but I’m not anticipating that he’ll be ready to go Friday. You can’t just throw him out there and say, ‘Have at it.’ I want to make sure he’s right. This is a long season. It’s only the second week. We’ll get him right and I’d much rather have him for the long term than to win a game in July."

NEW BLUE BLOOD:

Former Hamilton Tiger-Cat WR Scott Mitchell was on the practice field Tuesday but will not be activated for Friday’s game as the Bombers will likely dress an extra defensive back as their third designated import after kicker Alexis Serna and running back Lavarus Giles. Mitchell had more than 600 yards receiving last year with the Ticats and had previously tried out for the Alouettes, but was released by Hamilton near the end of training camp.

"Different things cross your mind but I thought eventually I would get another opportunity just based on having league experience, not so much on what I’ve done in this league," said Mitchell. "I didn’t know it would happen this fast, honestly.

"My main focus right now is just learning new terminology and fitting in with my teammates. It felt pretty good out there. It was a crash course and I just tried to listen as much as I could during meetings."

RUMOUR DU JOUR:

The Province in Vancouver reports the Bombers shopped Derick Armstrong to the Lions and have been repeatedly inquiring about Sean Whyte, hidden on B.C.’s injured list as the possible replacement for veteran Paul McCallum. Said Whyte: "If I go to Winnipeg, I’m going to get death threats if I miss a kick? It’s the graveyard for kickers. This is the spot I want to be in, so just give it another year or so I and I’ll be there. It’s all I can do. It’s Paul’s job."