Today’s Bomber Report

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/06/2010 (5646 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

No rush

The Bombers have 11 days between their final pre-season game Sunday in Hamilton and their home opener July 2. That’s the longest stretch of prep time since 1997, when the club had 13 days after their final exhibition game before their opener.

Moving out

The Bombers return to the practice field on Wednesday — at Rods Field in St. James — because Canad Inns Stadium is being set up for The Eagles/Dixie Chicks concert.

That was short

Former Bomber Matt Sheridan, signed by Calgary in April, retired Monday. “Matt has decided to retire, return to his home in Winnipeg and work diligently towards the goal of getting in better condition which would allow him to return,” said Stamps boss John Hufnagel.

— D-DAY LOOMS: All CFL teams must declare their rosters by 2 p.m. CT on Thursday and the Bombers will have to slice a whack of names, some of whom will be asked to stick around on the practice roster. “It’s not fun (making cuts),” said head coach Paul LaPolice. “It’s not one of the favourite things about the job, but it is part of the job. You try to be respectful with the guys and be honest with them.”

— OUCH REPORT: Long-snapping specialist Chris Cvetkovic suffered a knee injury Sunday in Hamilton and is still being evaluated. Initial reports were that the veteran’s injury was minor, but the work of rookie offensive lineman Adam Bestard in his place means they won’t rush to get Cvetkovic back on the field if he’s not ready.

“(Bestard) did a great job,” said LaPolice. “Didn’t miss a beat and his snaps were great. He also played well when he was in on the offensive line. I complimented him when we were at the airport (Sunday night). Something’s going to happen and you’re going to be called upon and you’ve got to be able to make plays. He’s obviously one of them and when I address the team in the meeting today I’ll say that. Here’s a guy that did it.”

Also nicked up in the game was Canadian receiver Aaron Hargreaves, who had his bell rung so hard early in the game his helmet came flying off. LaPolice said Hargreaves had a mild concussion but should be OK for the opener.

— LEFTOVER STUFF: LaPolice said that after watching the film it appears returner Travis Shelton did in fact touch the ball on a muffed punt return that led to a Hamilton TD… The Bombers have yet to speak to LB Derrick Doggett about a possible return. He was cut last week by the Pittsburgh Steelers and had 10 days before clearing waivers. After that the club will talk to him… One of LaPolice’s positives from the game: the team plans to go into a hurry-up offence whenever a questionable call goes their way, forcing the opposing coach to either throw his challenge flag or let the play stand. It worked on Sunday after a Cory Watson catch down the sideline where he didn’t get his foot in bounds, but the referee ruled he had been pushed out. Ticats head coach Marcel Bellefeuille tossed his challenge flag as the Bombers quickly hustled to the line of scrimmage… The leading Bombers rusher in the pre-season was QB Steven Jyles, who had seven carries for 78 yards. No. 1 tailback Fred Reid, who didn’t dress Sunday, had only four carries — but for 30 yards… The leading Bomber receiver was rookie Terence Jeffers-Harris with six receptions for 133 yards and a TD… Bernard Hicks, who has taken turns at both linebacker and defensive back, picked up 10 tackles to lead all Bombers in the pre-season.

— Ed Tait