Today’s Bomber Report

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/08/2009 (6213 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE CAP WATCH:

The Bombers, like all CFL teams, are feeling the pinch of the salary-management system. That means players could be facing cuts or, released outright, prior to the halfway mark of the season (Labour Day) so that their contracts aren’t guaranteed for the rest of the season. Such is life in the CFL.

The Bombers are on the hook for a giant chunk of change already paid out in bonuses to players not here, including QB Kevin Glenn, OL Dan Goodspeed and RB Joe Smith, among others. Kelly said the club is feeling the pinch of that, but hopes the reworking of several other contracts will soothe the pain in 2010.

"The biggest thing is we need to get through this season so that our system can really begin to take hold and then next year we’ll see the benefits of how we’re structuring contracts." said Kelly.

"But this year we just need to hang tight and be very conscious of what we’re doing and keep an eye on things in order to get us through in an appropriate manner."

Asked if the Bombers would be over the cap this year, Kelly added:

"No. We’re fine. We’re working and managing it everyday. We have group of men who have a good grasp of it, actually we have about five of us who have our eyes on that thing.

"Everybody sees it in a little different manner and then we try to come together. The league office has been outstanding in terms of giving advice, projections and that type of the thing."

NO RUSH FOR FRANKLIN:

Bomber receiver Arjei Franklin (ankle) has resumed practising, but the Bombers want to make sure he’s fully recovered before he returns.

Also, he was placed on the nine-game injured list, meaning his salary doesn’t count against the cap. If they activate him before the nine games are up, Franklin’s salary would be applied to the cap.

"I want to make sure he’s right because he’s a valuable player for us and we miss him right now," said Kelly.

"I promise you we miss him right now. He brings a level of intelligence and perception to the position besides being tough and making the catch. I don’t want say, ‘Oh, we’ve got to get him back in’ and then have him tweak it and we lose him for another four weeks."

OUR CONDOLENCES: To the family of long-time Bomber Roger Savoie, who recently passed away. A defensive lineman, Savoie spent 15 years in Bomber colours and was named the team’s top Canadian in 1956 and 1962 and was a West Divsion All-star in 1962. He was inducted into the club’s hall of fame in 1987.

RIGHT SAID FRED: Bomber RB Fred Reid, who last week caused a kerfuffle by calling out the Alouette linebackers, was a tad more diplomatic on Wednesday about the Lion LBs. "I got friends over there (Korey Banks). They’re a good group," said Reid with a grin.

QUOTABLE: "I don’t talk about contracts publicly. I am not going to speak on any of that stuff. I just don’t talk about individual contracts." — head coach Mike Kelly when asked for a comment on QB Stefan LeFors taking a pay cut.