Bombers cut RB Garrett, DL Frazier

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This article was published 15/08/2013 (4485 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Bombers cleared a whack of roster space on Wednesday, handing walking papers to running back Chris Garrett, defensive lineman Marquis Frazier and defensive back David James. The latter never figured into a game; Frazier was cut at training camp, but after injuries to other players the Bombers brought him back and slotted him into two games, where he notched three tackles and a sack.

The Garrett cut, though, raised eyebrows. The running back blazed his way into the starter gig in 2011 after injuries to the two backs in front of him, and racked up a masterful 190-yard performance in the east semifinal to help take the Bombers to the Grey Cup. But he lost all of 2012 to a torn Achilles tendon, and hadn’t played yet this season. In total, Garrett racked up 689 yards and four touchdowns in 11 Bomber games.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bomber defensive back Johnny Sears Jr. fired up Twitter to question the move. “Its hard to put you best foot forward without the other foot to step infront of!” Sears wrote. “Winning is what i thouhgt the common goal was? I don’t think it helps to let a great player in (Chris Garrett) go and help another team!!”

Garrett, 26, also took to Twitter to thank the Bombers organization and fans — and to express his disappointment at the news. “I was never given a chance,” he wrote. “But hey that’s life right? I’ll b OK.”

DeAngelis gets nod

NEW Bomber kicker Sandro DeAngelis will get the start against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday, as head coach Tim Burke confirmed they see the veteran as an upgrade — at least for now — over Justin Palardy. “We feel like he gives us a little bit more distance on his kickoffs, and a little better placement,” Burke said. “If Sandro gives us just a bit more, then that’s the right decision. It’s a business, and we’re trying to get better.”

Bombers call Vega

FORMER Bomber defensive end Jason Vega was cut by the New England Patriots on Tuesday, and Burke reached out to the talented pass rusher with a phone call. It’s not clear yet if Vega will come back to the CFL, Burke said, but he told the coach Winnipeg is a prime destination if he does. Still, Burke urged caution, noting he’s been pleased with how Kenny Mainor and Freddie Harris have performed. “I think he’s great in the locker-room, he’s a great teammate,” Burke said. “Hopefully we can work something out, but that doesn’t mean we will.”

Cvetkovic sidelined

INJURED long-snapper Chris Cvetkovic will be out for Friday’s game, Burke said. Meanwhile, it took a while for receiver Kito Poblah to heal from a heel injury, but now he’s back he’ll have to sort out his hands if he wants to figure in a game. Poblah’s been dropping too many in practice, Burke said, while Rory Kohlert has a better feel.

Hall settling in

BURKE said rookie Max Hall looked more settled in practice as the week wore on, and he built up his timing with the Bombers’ top-flight receivers. Meanwhile, the coach defended his preference to let his offensive staff anoint the starting quarterback. “They’re making the best decision they feel like they can make,” he said. “For me to dictate who they play at quarterback, I think that would be tying their hands. And I’m not going to do that.”

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca

Melissa Martin
Reporter-at-large

Melissa Martin reports and opines for the Winnipeg Free Press.

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