Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

The announcement came quicker than an overhand right and delivered about the same effect.

The Edmonton Eskimos have placed Adam Braidwood on the nine-game injured list due to his left knee, which is still not 100 per cent.

Then came the left cross: defensive back Anthony Malbrough, whom the Esks obtained from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in April for future considerations, has decided not to report.

“We’re going to explore all options with Adam as far as the medical side is concerned,” said Eskimos general manager Danny Maciocia.

“We’ve had some discussions with our medical people and we’re going to see what we can do to get him up to speed, to where he was prior to him sustaining that injury in 2007.” The news is a tough blow considering Braidwood, 25, missed the entire 2008 CFL season, but appeared on not one, but two, boxing cards during the off-season. He told The Journal back in April that he had medical clearance from his doctors to box.

“That’s probably what he told you, but I don’t think it was ever where it should be and neither did he,” said Maciocia.

What Braidwood said at the time was: “The knee feels real good. I’ve tested it. I’ve trained. I’ve rehabbed. I’ve done everything I can do. I continued on with my football strength and conditioning. I’ve pushed it to the limits, so whatever happens, happens. I’m confident in it and it feels good.” Braidwood, on Saturday, described it as: “One of those things. It’s frustrating. Really, really frustrating. I’ve worked hard this off-season, but it’s nothing that I’ve done this off-season to hurt it.

“I haven’t particularly hurt it at all. It’s still something left over from last year.

“They checked it out today and I’m going to be on the nine-game, that’s all I know. I thought I was good to go up until today. They had a meeting, said they need to do an MRI and do a few more things … That’s all I know.” It all seems strange that Braidwood would box in two events, then fail his medical for what is a critical CFL season – his option year.

“Throughout the off-season he was obviously training,” said Maciocia, obviously referring to his boxing adventures. “Part of his training regiment was running so his knee had a tendency to swell up. It was a concern. He’s kept in touch with us. We had him sit down with our medical people …. as I said we’re going to explore further tests to see what’s the best thing we can do to get him back in the lineup.” As for Malbrough, the Esks aren’t giving up on the veteran reporting, and the trade for offensive lineman Kelly Butler, who was on the Esks’ negotiations list, should not be affected. If Butler reports, passes his medical and plays, the Esks will reportedly get a conditional draft pick.

“He has had some discussions with his family and at this point in time he has chosen not to report,” Maciocia said of Malbrough. “That doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be a change of heart in the future. But as I stand before you here today we’re going to move forward with the people we’ve got here.” Linebacker Ryan Glasper has also not reported due to a medical issue, reportedly a heart condition that developed.

“He’s been hospitalized for the last little while,” said Maciocia, not releasing any details. “I think he was discharged a few days ago. He’s doing much better, but he’s clearly in no condition to come to any pro camp. We’ll monitor it and see where that takes us.” The Esks also released rookie defensive backs Brandent Englemon, Darnell Terrell and Tyler Everett, and linebacker Rory Johnson. “We had to get down to our numbers. They did a solid job for us, but we felt the other guys adapted a little quicker,” said head coach Richie Hall.

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