Beginning to look a lot like Lumsden

By: Adam Wazny Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Thursday, Sep. 9, 2010

THE search for Jesse Lumsden has ended.

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THE search for Jesse Lumsden has ended.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/09/2010 (5862 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE search for Jesse Lumsden has ended.

And now the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quick courtship of the talented non-import running back is about to be consummated. Bombers assistant general manager Ross Hodgkinson finally spoke with Lumsden Wednesday morning, taking the next step in an exploratory process that was revealed over the weekend.

"I explained things from the team’s perspective on what needed to happen to make it work, and he’s got some things he’s trying to work through on his end in terms of his commitments," Hodgkinson said. "We laid things out and had a good conversation."

CNS John Lucas/Edmonton Journal
Jesse Lumsden — CNS John Lucas/Edmonton Journal Jesse Lumsden

Lumsden, a member of the Canadian Olympic bobsled team who hasn’t played a down of pro football since injuring his shoulder in the first game of the 2009 season, was in Vancouver Wednesday, and told the Bombers he will be heading back to Ontario today. Hodgkinson said the club and player have not discussed a contract yet, but a CFL source indicated a deal between the two sides was close.

The negotiation is a complex one, according to Hodgkinson.

"There’s the issue of his injury history with his shoulder — that has to be resolved," he said. "Whether he’s in shape to play football — that has to be resolved; whether we can come to a contractual agreement — that has to be resolved. It’s not as simple as we’d all like it to be."

The Bombers assistant GM was quick to point out that the Bombers are not interested in getting into a bidding war with another team over Lumsden, and that the 28-year-old doesn’t need to be convinced to return to the football field.

"There’s no question: He wants to play football," Hodgkinson said. "He’s trained at obviously a high level to make the bobsled team. I think he’s a dedicated, determined young man."

Hodgkinson added the Bombers are not going to shy away from exploring ways to upgrade their talent base — even if the player in question has a lengthy injury dossier.

"Football is a dangerous sport… as they say: S happens."

— Wazny

Left tackle question

Both OL Luke Fritz and OL Andre Douglas were practising at the left tackle spot, pushing Brendon LaBatte back to guard and rookie Chris Greaves to standby. No decision yet on Fritz or Douglas getting the start for the Banjo Bowl.

New kick return option

The club added RB Chris Garrett to the practice roster Wednesday. The 23-year-old was a dangerous kick returner at Ohio University, collecting 2,185 yards and three TDs on 82 chances in college.

Familiar faces

Hamilton QB Kevin Glenn was named the offensive player of the week, with Calgary WR Romby Bryant a close second. Other winners: Ticats WR Dave Stala, Canadian; LB Markeith Knowlton, special teams; Stamps DB Brandon Smith, defensive.