Jun
Buono happy to have tough choice on 3rd QB
Courtesy Vancouver Province:
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was written by a stress consultant, but clearly Wally Buono could have offered some tips.
The Lions coach was asked if the play of third-string quarterback candidates Zac Champion and Travis Lulay would force him to reconsider whether to carry a fourth signal-caller on the practice roster this year.
Buono responded by saying one will have to go this week when the club makes final cuts, but something inevitably happens and a decision could well be made for him.
“I sit up at night and I smoke my cigar and I think about all this stuff,” he said.
“I’m a great procrastinator. I’ve got no pressure today to make a decision, so I’m going to enjoy the ride.
“When it’s time I’m going to pull the trigger. I’m going to keep one at full salary. Both of them may be too good for the practice roster.”
Indeed, Lulay and Champion were just as impressive as veterans Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson behind centre in the preseason opener in Calgary last week.
Smart approach
There’s not the same outlook when it comes to the Lions’ return game, however, and there’s even more concern when it comes to filling in the final piece on the offensive line.
Buono was noncommittal when asked if he was reconsidering whether to allow tailback Ian Smart to return kicks, given that nobody has stepped up and claimed a job.
Smart and WR Cory Rodgers have received the first special teams practice reps throughout camp, followed by a succession of candidates who will have to play another position. Those getting a turn include rookie receivers Terence Scott and Otis Amey, along with tailback Martell Mallett, which could suggest they have inched ahead for backup spots heading into Tuesday’s preseason finale against Edmonton.
As for the offensive line, there was still no word from the club on the health status of LG Jon Hameister-Reis, though two sources have said his rotator-cuff injury suffered last week will sideline him for the season.
Dean Valli will get the job for now, but the club may choose to look at the free-agent market.
Hameister-Reis has yet to play a CFL regular-season game due to injuries. Andrew Jones, who due to injuries also hasn’t played a regular season game despite being drafted in 2007, and rookie Justin Sorensen are all that remains on the depth chart after the club sent away Kelly Bates and Lorne Plante before camp.
