Adams close to returning for Blue

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This article was published 02/09/2015 (4003 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HELP for the struggling Winnipeg Blue Bombers could be on the way as early as this week.

Wide receiver Darvin Adams, who was Winnipeg’s most explosive offensive threat until he sustained an injury Aug. 9 in a loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, could be back on the practice field today, Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said Tuesday.

“He’s progressing nicely. He will have one final look-through (this) morning by the doctors and we’ll see if he’s cleared to practise or not,” Walters said.

“But it looks like things are moving well.”

The Bombers also announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms with running back Chevon Walker. Walker had a standout rookie campaign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012 when he scored eight touchdowns while rushing for 656 yards and catching 27 passes for 336 yards.

Walker was picked up by the Ottawa Redblacks in the 2013 expansion draft, but never did replicate his earlier success. He was released by Ottawa Aug. 28, having rushed for just 287 yards on 78 carries in six games this season.

The 3-6 Bombers need help with their running game, which has struggled for traction all season and has gone backwards since starting tailback Paris Cotton was injured last month.

Walters said he thinks Walker can regain the form he showed in that standout rookie campaign in Hamilton in 2012.

“We think the athleticism is still there,” said Walters. “He just got himself in an offence (in Ottawa) where he wasn’t given a ton of opportunity and they decided to go a different route.

“And I think you’ll find a lot of times that guys who get a second chance like this take advantage of it and play with a little more fire in their belly. And we hope that a guy who’s just been cut plays with the anger that comes with that.”

Walters was noncommittal when asked if Walker will be on the roster when the Bombers face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina Sunday.

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“We’re going to let the doctors check him out and then we’ll put him on the practice roster and see how he runs around,” said Walters. “And we’ll make a decision from there.”

Walters said he’s hopeful the addition of Adams and Walker can spark an offence that hit a new low last weekend when the unit generated just 136 yards in a 36-8 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at Investors Group Field.

“The offence needs to put up points. When we get down there, we can’t settle for field goals, we have to score touchdowns,” said Walters.

“And getting Darvin Adams back potentially will help. Hopefully, Chevon Walker coming in can provide a spark. We’re still right in the (playoff) mix. And we’re going to keep grinding and fighting and figuring out ways to get victories.”

paul.wiecek@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @PaulWiecek