Extra Points

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This article was published 23/07/2013 (4435 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IT’S a game that many in the Bombers organization — and their loyal fans — have become a tad weary of playing.

Buck Pierce was in full gear at Monday’s practice and threw the ball, but mostly played the spectator as Justin Goltz took the majority of reps with the No. 1 offence in preparation for Friday’s home date with the Calgary Stampeders.

Who takes the first snap against the Stamps likely won’t become official until Wednesday, as Pierce was still bothered by abdominal pain after taking a shot to the midsection in last week’s loss to Toronto.

Bombers head coach Tim Burke said Pierce will get the nod if he gets the green light from head athletic therapist Al Couture.

“If Al says he’s full go — not if Buck says he’s full go — by Wednesday, then he’s good to go,” said Burke.

In the meantime, as was often the case last year, Pierce’s backups continue to gobble up as much work as possible to get ready.

“I’m preparing as if I’m going to start and trying to build off the momentum of last week, keep things rolling,” said Goltz, who was 13 of 15 for 170 yards in relief of Pierce last week. “You never know what the situation is going to be. I’ve seen this situation play itself out the last few years a bunch of different ways.

“As long as I prepare as if I’m going to start, then I can’t go wrong.”

OUCH REPORT: The Bombers still don’t expect defensive tackle Bryant Turner (chest) to be ready for Friday’s game, as he experienced some pain Monday while practising, but DT J.T. Gilmore, may soon be good to suit up again. Slotback Terrence Edwards will return to the lineup, Kito Poblah practised and could return but wide receiver Chris Matthews (back) is still doubtful. Long-snapper Chris Cvetkovic (calf) remains sidelined.

QUOTABLE: Here’s Burke when asked about Lyons, the new linebacker, and what position he might play: “I watched him move. I’m not sure if he’s a (weak-side); he might be a (middle). It’s too early to tell; he might be totally out of shape. He might have been lifting 16 ounces instead of 40 pounds.”

STAMPS WATCH: Bo Mitchell took first-team reps in Calgary Monday as QB Kevin Glenn rested a sore arm. No. 1 gun Drew Tate has also resumed throwing.

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPEdTait