Rifles’ Carter catches practice-squad spot

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/06/2013 (4581 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG Rifles receiver Brett Carter will not be on the roster of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers this season.

Carter made a strong case for consideration in the team’s two exhibition games this month, hauling in five passes.

His name was not among the 21 official cuts the Bombers made on Saturday, but head coach Tim Burke said Carter will not be a regular in 2013.

The good news in the scenario is the 20-year-old will be able to practise with the Blue Bombers until the Rifles’ junior season begins.

“He will do that, and we’re glad,” Burke said, explaining that Carter fits the bill as a “territorial player,” and thus can participate in workouts.

There’s lots to like about the young receiver, Burke added.

“Work ethic, he knows our system inside and out,” the coach said. “He catches the ball really well. So it’ll be great having him around.”

Down the road

Saturday’s Taylor Swift concert at Investors Group Field has punted the Blue Bombers from practising on their home turf since early last week, and stage and venue tear-down will keep them off the field a few more days.

The team’s main preparations for this Thursday’s season-opener at home against Montreal will be moved down the street to a practice field just west of the Winnipeg Indoor Soccer Complex.

No big deal, Bombers coach Burke said.

“I don’t think it’ll be a bother,” he said. “It’s just a short walk down the block. I don’t think it’ll be a big bother, no, as long as they don’t leave anything on the field.”

You’re in

The final roster will include at least three new faces on the Bombers’ defence — safety Cauchy Muamba, defensive lineman Freddie Harris and defensive back Marty Markett.

Harris and Markett clearly earned their stripes with training-camp performances, Burke indicated Saturday.

“Freddie has very good speed off the edge and… he has a very good speed to power-move as well,” the coach said. “We really like that about him. I think he really progressed as two-a-days went along. I think he’s going to be a good player for us.

“Markett, his speed, you can’t replace that, and he’s intelligent, so he can learn more than one position.”

The team’s main roster of 46 players still had a ways to go as of late Saturday, with 52 players still listed as in camp. Moves to the injured list are likely figure in the final juggling.

Back at it

Most decisions made, the Bombers are back on the practice field today at 11:10 a.m., just a little more than four days before kickoff for the regular season.

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca