Neufeld itching to get in on the action with new O-line

Posted: 3:00 AM CDT Thursday, Jul. 16, 2015

OFFENSIVE lineman Patrick Neufeld is likely ready to go for this weekend's road game in Calgary.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

OFFENSIVE lineman Patrick Neufeld is likely ready to go for this weekend's road game in Calgary.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/07/2015 (4094 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OFFENSIVE lineman Patrick Neufeld is likely ready to go for this weekend’s road game in Calgary.

It would be his first action of the CFL season, having missed the first three weeks due to injury.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers had Neufeld in different spots in practice so far this week, and head coach Mike O’Shea wasn’t tipping his hand where Neufeld fits into the game.

The 26-year-old Regina native said Wednesday he was feeling ready to play, but wasn’t saying much more other than he’s enthusiastic about seeing some action.

“The coaches haven’t said anything, so we’re playing it day by day,” Neufeld said. “I’m taking reps out there and we’ll see what happens.”

Neufeld said having been injured before, he knows not to let frustration get the best of him.

“I’ve been injured before so I know that process, so it’s not frustration,” he said. “It’s just trying to get healthy as quick as I can and trying to do what I can to help the team, that’s the bottom line.”

Neufeld said the new mix of talent into the offensive line has left him feeling more positive than ever.

“It’s been great,” he said.

“I think we have such a great room this year. We’ve gelled really well from training camp until now. We’re communicating better and doing a lot of good things. We’re just playing a lot more physical this year. It’s a great group.”

Still weighing options

BLUE BOMBERS head coach Mike O’Shea said he was still mulling over options to replace defensive tackle Bryant Turner (hand injury).

O’Shea would appear to have two choices and both are inexperienced: 27-year-old Nate Collins or 24-year-old Deantre Harlan.

“They’re both active,” O’Shea said after Wednesday’s practice at Investors Group Field. His team takes on the Stampeders in Calgary on Saturday.

“Once again, from yesterday and today, I still like what I see from Nate Collins. He gets off the ball pretty quickly. I like his football IQ. I know there was a couple of things yesterday he needed to clean up and we’ll see the film later and make sure he did.

“Harlan is extremely athletic for a guy his size. But they both need more experience.”

Both men were at practice Wednesday. One of the interesting wrinkles in this decision is if Collins is tabbed — he appears to be the likely choice — he will be pulled off the six-game injured list.

O’Shea didn’t want to delve too deeply into the challenge such a move could pose for Collins fitness-wise.

“… Coming off the six-game (injured list), I don’t know it could ever be enough,” the coach said. “You’re just not getting those practice reps.

“The only time you get in shape as an interior D-lineman is by playing games, taking those live reps where guys are on top of you and you’re getting up, you’re down, you’re up. That doesn’t happen in practice. So I’m assuming it’ll be a little shocking for him if we make that move on the roster. I’m assuming it’ll be a little bit shocking on the first few plays, but he’s a pro, he’ll figure it out.”

— Tim Campbell