Blue’s Franklin out 6-8 weeks

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This article was published 13/07/2009 (5931 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Winnipeg Blue Bombers are about to have their Canadian depth tested again.

Already without defensive tackle Doug Brown — one of the top homegrown players in the CFL — for their first two games, the Bombers will apparently be down another Canadian starter for the next 6-8 weeks.

Receiver Arjei Franklin suffered an ankle injury in Friday’s 42-30 win over the Calgary Stampeders and, although the club is staying mum on the extent of the damage, word has it the diagnosis is he’ll be lost for up to two months.

No word yet from the Bombers on the extent of running back Fred Reid’s ankle, although early indications are it wasn’t nearly as serious as Franklin’s injury.

Franklin has been taking turns in the starting lineup with another Canadian — Brock Ralph — and the club did stash Aaron Hargreaves on their reserve list last week.

But sources say the Bombers also attempted to trade for Mike Bradwell, who is Canadian, of the Toronto Argonauts even before the Franklin injury and those discussions may heat up again. Bradwell pulled in three passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and has stepped up admirably for the Boatmen with Andre Talbot nursing a bad back.

The Bombers were also said to be sniffing around about the availability of Matt Carter, who left the B.C. Lions for personal reasons but is apparently close to signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

ANOTHER NEW/OLD LOOK: The Bombers will unveil their 1960s retro uniform and merchandise as part of the CFL’s retro program Monday at 2:30 p.m. at the Bomber Store at St. Vital Centre.

On hand to model the new gear will be Doug Brown, Terrence Edwards, Kelly Bates and alumni members from the 1960s Blue Bombers teams.

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca