Bowman to step into Lobendahn’s shoes

Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Thursday, Sep. 15, 2011

THE middle linebacker plan for now -- and for the rest of the season, depending on how the immediate results look -- is Marcellus Bowman.

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THE middle linebacker plan for now -- and for the rest of the season, depending on how the immediate results look -- is Marcellus Bowman.

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This article was published 15/09/2011 (5485 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE middle linebacker plan for now — and for the rest of the season, depending on how the immediate results look — is Marcellus Bowman.

That’s what both the team and player are working with as the Bombers move on without veteran starter Joe Lobendahn in the middle of the defence. Lobendahn is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee on a punt return in Sunday’s loss to Saskatchewan.

Bowman, a second-year player, usually sets up to the right of the middle linebacker position and has exactly one game and a handful of practices at his new spot. Seeing the speed of the game from a new perspective and having to keep an eye on both sides of the field are just some of the challenges he’s dealing with.

“Obviously, it doesn’t seem like that much (of a difference), because it’s only four or five yards apart, but the assignments are slightly different,” Bowman said after practice Wednesday. “You just have to be more precise, that’s the main thing.”

Bowman’s new assignment means Merrill Johnson gets another chance to prove his value to the coaches. His natural position is at weak-side linebacker, but he hasn’t seen a lot of time up to now. There could be some growing pains with this new arrangement, the Bombers say, but that’s the understanding when a guy like Lobendahn is lost for an extended period.

“There’s a learning curve for those guys,” head coach Paul LaPolice said. “They have to start getting comfortable.”

NO KITO: Rookie receiver Kito Poblah did not practise Wednesday and was ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with the Montreal Alouettes.

The reason: A shoulder injury.

Poblah, who has missed seven games already this season with a knee injury, apparently suffered the shoulder injury in the Banjo Bowl. No timetable was given for his recovery from LaPolice, leading to speculation that it could be a long-term ailment.

With Poblah out for this week, all eyes focus on Aaron Hargreaves. He sat out the Banjo Bowl with an injured ankle and while he did practise Wednesday, the coaches want to see how it responds before making a roster decision.

If Hargreaves can’t function on the ankle, rookie Jade Etienne will make his first CFL start in Montreal.

SICK BAY: Defensive back Jonathan Hefney (charley horse) sat out Wednesday, but he’s expected to play. The same goes for defensive tackle Doug Brown, punter Mike Renaud and centre Obby Khan — all rested Wednesday, all are expected to be ready. Defensive tackle Dorian Smith (and his sore ankle) may play, but a decision will be made later this week.

Defensive lineman Jason Vega (hamstring) did not practise. He’s doubtful to dress.

— Adam Wazny