Notes

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/06/2011 (5540 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FOR the second straight day, rookie receiver Jade Etienne didn’t look out of place.

That did not go unnoticed at Bombers training camp Monday morning, as the lanky Canadian has been under the microscope since Winnipeg selected him with the fourth pick in the 2011 CFL college draft.

It’s no secret: The 6-foot-3, 184-pound speedster out of Regina has struggled to relax among the receiver competition in his first pro camp.

That’s why any sign of on-field comfort generates a positive response. “It doesn’t happen very often where a guy can step in and play,” head coach Paul LaPolice explained. “Especially somebody who is younger. Sometimes you take guys who are 25 years old in the draft — Jade is 21. (It’s) absolutely what we expected. But boy, when he gets good, he can be tremendous.”

LaPolice referenced 2010 draft pick Cory Watson in his evaluation of Etienne Monday. Though he wasn’t burdened with the high expectations of being a fourth overall pick like Etienne (Watson was a second-round pick, ninth overall), the former Concordia standout does understand what the rookie class is going through right now.

“It was tough last year, trying to learn the new systems and understanding what everything means,” Watson said. “It’s a lot to take in as a new guy. I feel much more comfortable this time around, having that season under my belt, than I did at any point last year.”

Making progress is one thing. Can Etienne bounce back far enough from his slow start to crack the roster — active or otherwise?

“Time will tell,” LaPolice said. “Players declare the depth chart.”

HURT LOCKER: Bombers C Obby Khan (groin) had a helmet and pads on Monday, which meant he’s very close to returning. Said Khan: “Things are ahead of schedule. I feel really good. Logic dictates that I don’t try to do too much this week, as we have a game that I won’t be playing in anyway. I’m more than confident that I’ll be ready to go Saturday.”

Khan will see limited action at practice today before the team leaves for Montreal Wednesday morning. The current Winnipeg injury list includes WR Kito Poblah (achilles); WR Damian Sherman (hamstring); WR Aaron Hargreaves (ankle); and WR Scott McHenry (neck).

ROOKIE LOOK: Look for a young, inexperienced group of players to line up against the Alouettes Thursday night, as the coaching staff wants to see what the rookies can do in game action. What exactly is LaPolice hoping for out of those Blue and Gold prospects?

“Guys who do what they’re asked to do — more so than anything,” he said. “Not be overwhelmed, like ‘Oh my God, I’m in Montreal, I’m on TV.’ I want kids to go out and make sure the game isn’t too big for them.”

— Adam Wazny