The Edmonton Eskimos have another new head coach in Kavis Reed and although I am sure he has high hopes for his squad this year they are just too over matched in the west.

I won’t completely rule them out of making a cross over appearance in the play offs. But they just don’t have enough key personal to go deep in the playoffs this year.

Prediction

6-12 and miss the playoffs.

Players to watch

Offence

Fred Stamps had 80 receptions for 1223 yards in 2010 and he missed 4 games, look for Rickey Ray to get the ball to Stamps in any situation.

Defense

Chris Thompson had 43 tackles and 7 Ints in 2010 look for Chris to contribute to the Esks defense this year since they will be seeing the field a lot.

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

A towel hung over Dario Romero’s head, but it couldn’t hide the tears. Romero’s Edmonton Eskimos defensive linemate, Kai Ellis, came over and wrapped his arms around him. Romero’s massive chest only heaved more, fresh tears wetting an already soaked towel.

On the last play of Saturday’s 23-30 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, on what appeared to be an innocent play Romero tore his left bicep muscle–shearing it off the bone and feeling it roll up like a bamboo window shade until it curled into a tight little ball.

Even as wrenching and excruciating as the pain was, Romero’s sobs had nothing to do with physical discomfort. The pain and the emotion all came from within: the realization that his season was over.

“I love this game. I love what I do. I love the guys I play with,” said Romero, the Eskimos right defensive tackle, but more importantly the defensive leader, who will have surgery and be gone for the season.

“That’s what really hurt. I wasn’t being a baby,” said Romero, six-foot-three and 300 pounds.

“He was a tremendously disappointed man,” said Eskimo linebackers coach Dan Kepley.

“He saw what was happening on our defence–the progress we have made–and he doesn’t have that anymore.

“When he woke up Sunday morning, football was gone for him for the remainder of the year.”

At least physically. Romero will stay in Edmonton, not only to have surgery and begin his rehab, but to add another pair of eyes to the defence.

“It doesn’t end. I’ll do what I can around here to help. And I’m going to let them know you can’t take this game for granted.

“But I won’t have the same conversations. The players, they talk about the game.

“But now I’m going to be outside of those lines,” said Romero, 31.

And that’s not where Romero belongs. Throughout his nine professional football years, Romero has always been right in the middle. Fighting, scratching and clawing his way to the ball carriers, fending off blocks, plugging gaps, rushing the quarterback … Romero never stops. Until now, when an injury has forced the big man to the sideline.

“Every game I play like it’s my last,” Romero said a little ironically.

“I think everyone in the room knows how much I love playing,” Romero said.

Of that there is no doubt.

“He’s a man,” said Kepley, “an absolute true throwback man. He can play on any team, on any league, at any time on, in any decade. He’s a pack leader and he leads his pack in the right direction.”

Middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd said: “It’s going to be hard to replace a guy with that much heart and that much love for the game.

“He doesn’t care for the money; he doesn’t care for the light. He just wants to win and give it all he has got.”

Leaning against a fence at Clarke Park uncomfortably watching Monday’s practice, Romero said: “Because it came on the last play makes it even more frustrating.

“Saskatchewan was just out their killing the final seconds off the clock. And a fluke injury on something I do every game–an arm tackle. I watched it on film. I can’t believe it happened.”

At first Romero thought his arm had just been hit by a helmet. But he quickly realized it was a lot worse.

“I tried to lift my arm up and nothing happened. I knew.”

A two-time All-Big Sky player at Eastern Washington, Romero began his professional career with the Eskimos in 2001.

But he didn’t stick around long. He played the next four years with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins under head coach Dave Wannstedt.

Even as a backup, Romero had 21 tackles and four sacks in 2004 alone.

He played in Montreal in 2006 and 2007 but was gladly welcomed back to Edmonton last year.

Defensive end Kai Ellis said Romero was having an all-star season.

No one disagreed. Not even Romero.

“The defence was coming on. We were doing more things that have us excited and I feel like I’m having my best season ever.

“It really sucks.”

Read more….

Courtesy Toronto Star:

The Toronto Argonauts have dealt another disgruntled player.

The Argos traded cornerback Byron Parker to the Edmonton Eskimos on Monday for future considerations.

According to two league sources, the Argos will receive a 2010 draft pick for Parker.

Parker becomes the second unhappy Argo player to be sent packing. Earlier this year, the team dealt slotback Arland Bruce III to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after Bruce was publicly critical of first-year head coach Bart Andrus and quarterback Kerry Joseph.

Parker rejoined the Argos roughly four weeks ago after being released this summer by the NHL’s Philadelphia Eagles. The two-time CFL all-star saw duty as a kick-returner before the arrival of Dominique Dorsey but played sparingly in Toronto’s secondary since his return.

Last week, Andrus said Parker would play more once he became more familiar with the team’s defensive system. But Parker disagreed, telling the Toronto Star there wasn’t much to learn and he compared the Argos schemes to Pop Warner, the youth football system that’s based in the U.S.

“We wish Byron good luck and we want to thank him for his years of service as an Argonaut,” Argos GM Adam Rita said in a statement. “Like all of the teams, we are responsible for operating under a salary management system and we have many good young players competing for roster spots in our secondary.”

Parker, a former NCAA basketball slam dunk champion while at Tulane, joined the Argos in 2005 and appeared in 55 career games with the CFL team. He recorded 101 tackles and 18 interceptions for 561 yards, returning six for touchdowns and was named a CFL all-star in 2006 and ’07.

Also on Monday, the Eskimos also signed defensive lineman Jerome Haywood.

The move comes after defensive tackle Dario Romero suffered a season-ending torn bicep in Edmonton’s 23-20 loss to Saskatchewan on Saturday. The Eskimos have placed Romero on the nine-game injured list.

Haywood, in his eighth CFL season, has played previously with Ottawa (2002-05), Montreal (2006) and Winnipeg (2007-08) before being released by the Alouettes prior to the start of training camp. Haywood, 30, has appeared in 107 career games, recording 223 tackles and 29 sacks.

“Having Dario out for the rest of the season is a huge loss,” Edmonton head coach Richie Hall said in a statement. “The passion, skill and heart he brings to the game are unlike many others.

“Haywood does however bring a lot of the attributes Dario has to the Eskimos and we are looking forward to having him be a part of the team.”

The Eskimos also added linebacker Frantz Joseph to the practice roster.

Read more…

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

The Edmonton Eskimos have signed 31-year-old free agent defensive lineman Jerome Haywood and may have lost the services of defensive captain Dario Romero for the rest of the season.

Haywood, a five-foot-nine, 280-pound product of San Diego State, spent the past two seasons in Winnipeg and was signed in January by the Montreal Alouettes, who subsequently released him prior to the 2009 season. In seven CFL campaigns he has 225 tackles and 29 sacks.

Haywood joins former Alouettes Reggie Hunt and Randee Drew, who were also signed by the Eskimos late last week.

Sources say Romero may have torn his bicep in Saturday’s 23-20 loss to Saskatchewan, meaning he could be done for the season.

The team is expected to confirm the signing and Romero’s injury later this morning.

Read more….

Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

Slotback Jason Clermont’s contribution to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 23-20 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday didn’t appear on the scoresheet.

Clermont didn’t have a reception in the battle of the West Division rivals but a pre-game meeting with his teammates may have helped the Riders prevail despite heading into the CFL contest with a 1-10 record in their past 11 games at Commonwealth Stadium.

“Jason brought up that we hadn’t had much success playing in Edmonton,” Riders centre Jeremy O’Day said after a Commonwealth Stadium-record crowd of 62,517 had departed. “He told us that there wasn’t that much pressure on us. They were expected to win and he told us to relax and play football. We did that. It was one of the games where it was a boxing match and we were able to pull it out in the end.”

The result means the Riders (7-5) maintain a share of first place in the West Division with the Calgary Stampeders. The Eskimos fell to 6-6, third in the West. Edmonton has won the season series between the two teams on the strength of two victories at Mosaic Stadium.

“You always want to win the season series but there isn’t anything we do about the two games before this,” said O’Day. “All we can do is play well this week. We had a big task in front of us and we tried to practise on the grass as a change-up. Whether it helped us, I don’t know. This says a lot about this team in a tough park with all of their fans.”

The weather challenged both teams. Winds of 80 kilometres per hour were forecast before the game, which resulted in a wind warning being issued for the Edmonton area. The weather forecasters weren’t far off as the stadium was rocked by heavy winds.

The Riders were able to handle the windy conditions better than the Eskimos largely due to the performance of punter Jamie Boreham. Boreham used his rugby-style punts to cut through the winds. The punts also bounced around on the ground, which made them tough to field for the Eskimos’ returners.

“We have a good scheme and it worked for us,” said Boreham, who also extended a drive in the third quarter with a successful fake punt. “That was especially true under the conditions.”

A Boreham punt late in the second quarter led directly to a Roughriders touchdown. Bradley Robinson couldn’t field the bouncing ball, which was eventually recovered in the end zone by Rey Williams for a touchdown. After Luca Congi’s convert, the Roughriders had a 12-10 halftime lead.

The teams traded field goals in the third quarter, which was quite the feat considering the wind conditions. Edmonton, which had the wind, was held to a 42-yard Noel Prefontaine field goal. Congi connected on a 36-yard field goal into the wind.

In the fourth quarter, the Eskimos went ahead 19-15 on a 55-yard touchdown run by Arkee Whitlock. The Riders rebounded with a seven-play, 65-yard drive which was capped when Steven Jyles scored from the one-yard line.

Darian Durant and slotback Andy Fantuz connected on a two-point convert to provide the Riders with a 23-20 lead at 5:37 of the fourth quarter.

The Eskimos, who had pulled out a 31-27 win over the Riders last Sunday at Mosaic Stadium when Ricky Ray connected with Maurice Mann on a 68-yard touchdown pass with 69 seconds remaining, didn’t have the same magic on Saturday. The Eskimos were left wondering what might have been had they been able to sweep the season series with the Riders.

“This was another opportunity we let slip through,” Eskimos head coach Richie Hall told reporters. “At some point in time, for us to get where we want to be, we have to embrace prosperity. That means taking it and making it ours.”

Congi and Prefontaine each had two successful field-goal attempts despite trying weather conditions.

Ray was 15 of 29 for 244 yards and no touchdowns. Durant was 23 of 33 for 269 yards but was intercepted three times; one of them was returned 59 yards for a touchdown by Eskimos linebacker T.J. Hill.

It was a game of redemption for Riders veteran cornerback Omarr Morgan. He scored on a CFL record 108-yard fumble return in the loss to Edmonton then was burned on the game-winning touchdown pass from Ray to Mann. Mann didn’t have a catch on Saturday.

“This means a lot to me especially after the low last week,” said Morgan.

Read more….

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

The Edmonton Eskimos are sweeping the shovel incident from Thursday’s practice under the rug. Burying the hatchet, as it were.

Practice roster defensive lineman Xzavie Jackson and starting centre Aaron Fiacconi both apologized to their Eskimos teammates for the altercation.

Jackson, in a fit of rage after Fiacconi popped him in the right eye (essentially swelling it shut), grabbed a nearby shovel from a garbage collection area after storming off the Clarke Park field during practice.

The angered athlete was walking back toward the field with it, when confronted by several members of the organization, including head trainer T.D. Forss, general manager Danny Maciocia, defensive co-ordinator Jim Daley and head coach Richie Hall.

“I think you guys are exposed or privy to various things concerning our ball club, but when it comes to dirty laundry, there are things that should be behind closed doors,” said Hall, when asked of the outcome. “I think the players involved and the players on the team have a real good indication of what transpired, from top to bottom that it’s not acceptable. I know the players know it’s not tolerated.”

Hall said both players had a chance to speak to their teammates Friday morning regarding the incident. Any other consequences (fines or any form of suspension) will be kept strictly to the team.

“We addressed some issues, are putting it behind us and we’re moving forward,” said Hall.

Both players went through the team’s walk-through Friday morning in preparation for Saturday’s game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and spoke to the matter.

“It’s one of those things that happened. Football is an aggressive game, we’re all teammates here,” began Fiacconi, who will play Saturday. “I respect him to the utmost and we can’t complete this journey without one another.

“Things get a little heated, but you have to have some control out here. It got away from us (Thursday) a little bit and it won’t happen again.”

A series of drills between the offensive and defensive lines led to the altercation.

“I think I let it get too far. When it gets to a point when you’re throwing punches against a teammate and someone I respect, who has helped me get better throughout the season and vice versa … I don’t anticipate that will happen again,” said Fiacconi.

Jackson, donning sunglasses that covered a patch over his swollen right eye, was just as eager to put the altercation past him.

“I wasn’t disappointed (in Fiacconi) at all,” he insisted. “It was just two grown men trying to get better at a game that they love. Tempers are going to fly. It’s a part of the game, if you can’t deal with it, then you shouldn’t be here.”

But Jackson, who remains on the practice roster, did admit he was wrong to grab the shovel.

“(Thursday) got the best of us. I’m very disappointed. That’s not me, that’s not my character,” he said. “I know I could have made a better choice than that. I apologized to my teammates and that’s all. … We’ve talked to the team, to each other and the coaching staff. It’s all resolved now.”

Read more…

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

It’s often all about risk and reward in professional sports. Sometimes the gamble pays off, sometimes it smacks you up the side of the head, as it did to Omarr Morgan and the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday afternoon.

Morgan, who earlier had returned a fumble recovery 108 yards for a touchdown that seemed to turn the CFL game Saskatchewan’s way, paid dearly for his gamble with 80 seconds left that gave the Edmonton Eskimos the game-winning touchdown on a 68-yard pass to a wide-open Maurice Mann.

“It can be feast or famine and for us it was a good play,” a weary-looking Eskimos head coach Richie Hall said Monday. “I wouldn’t say we were setting him up, but the situation happened on a previous possession and he was jumping a route and (offensive co-ordinator) Kevin(Strasser) made a good call. Ricky (Ray) and Mo executed, you couldn’t execute any better.

“A lot of times you anticipate something, but you have to be patient. You work for a particular situation, you have a particular play and it’s important when it comes up that you execute.

“It’s important that you take advantage of those opportunities because you can wait all game long just for that chance. ”

Some would think it was a risky call by the Eskimos because if Morgan doesn’t gamble that he knows the route Mann is taking, and simply plays Mann tight, there’s little chance of a completion and that would leave them third-and-six with time running out.

“It wasn’t a risky call,” said Hall. “They were anticipating the short route to move the chains … where we went for the home run ball. I think (Morgan) had it in his mind what he wanted to do and we were hoping what we would try (would work) and it came open.”

The late touchdown countered a second-half Saskatchewan rally and gave Edmonton only its second road win of the season–against three losses–and both wins have come in Regina. Perhaps it’s karma, perhaps mere coincidence that Regina is where Hall coached the Roughriders for a number of years before becoming Edmonton’s head coach this year.

“Things have just worked out,” Hall said when asked about the Regina wins. “I don’t think we’ve played any harder. We might have played smarter and we might have finished opportunities and finished off plays.”

“I thought some of our better games all around have been in Saskatchewan,” Hall said. “I don’t know why that is, but we need those games to occur at Commonwealth, in Winnipeg, in Calgary, in B. C. and those places.”

The Eskimos host the Riders at Commonwealth Saturday afternoon (4 p. m.) and then play four of their final six games on the road–in Winnipeg, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

The Sunday win gave Edmonton a share of first place in the west, tied with Saskatchewan and Calgary at 6-5, despite having scored the second fewest points in the division (291) while giving up the most (346).

“Stats can be very misleading,” countered Hall.

“The bottom line is you can win big and have a lot of points and when you lose it’s a close game. Look at us all, our victories have been close games and when we’re lost we’ve lost (big), to Calgary, B. C. And Montreal.”

Those three losses were by a combined 76 points.

In their six wins the Eskimos have only once won by more than five points, a 33-19 win over Montreal Alouettes.

“I say this, despite all those stats, we’re 6-5 and tied for first place,” added Hall.

SHORT YARDAGE: Hall said defensive lineman Dario Romero left Sunday’s game because of illness — perhaps a touch of food poisoning–and should be ready to play in the rematch…The news wasn’t as good about running back Calvin McCarty who returned after missing two games and left after just one play. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to him, but I think a lot of times when you see someone only play one play and that’s it, it’s usually a long shot to expect him back in time for Saturday.” said Hall.

Read more….

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

The Edmonton Eskimos’ dramatic 31-27 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday settled nothing in the CFL’s wild West Division, surely not the tender stomachs of any faint-hearted fans.

Now 6-5 on the season and locked in a three-way, first-place tie with Saskatchewan and the Calgary Stampeders, head coach Richie Hall’s comeback Eskimos are right in the mix. The roller-coaster ride continues, so keep the Maalox handy.

After being swept by Calgary in the Labour Day home-and-home, the Eskimos are in position to sweep the Roughriders and create something like separation atop the division.

Of course, Edmonton fans have heard that before. That issue may be clarified on Saturday afternoon at Commonwealth Stadium in front of what will certainly be the biggest crowd in the CFL this season.

But if a victory like Sunday’s could not resolve any team’s placing in the standings, could it at least stifle the rather weird, ongoing muttering by some Edmonton fans about the job performance of Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray? At least for a while? Please?

Fans think with their hearts and that must be respected.

So if some fans would prefer to see the more demonstrative, stronger-armed Jason Maas trot out to take snaps from centre more often, well, chalk that up to taste.

Some fans may even have been excited to see rookie Jared Zabransky at quarterback on the Eskimos’ first play from scrimmage. Nothing wrong with opening with the element of surprise.

But after that, Ray, following the new offensive blueprint created by co-ordinator Kevin Strasser, was perfect for the first half–16-for-16 for 139 yards and a touchdown pass to go-to receiver Fred Stamps.

Ray sliced and diced a tough Saskatchewan defence, leading the Eskimos to three first-half touchdowns, two on short runs by Arkee Whitlock, on three time-consuming drives.

For the second straight game, Ray led the Edmonton offence on a game-opening TD drive. He had his completion streak up to 20 for 20 and the Eskimos two yards away from a major score to open the second half with a 28-10 lead that might have proved too big a mountain for even the plucky Roughriders.

Then Whitlock fumbled and Saskatchewan corner Omarr Morgan took off for a 108-yard TD run the other way. Now it was 21-17, a 14-point swing, just like that. Oops!

Since the game was at Mosaic Stadium, a brisk wind began howling and a steady drizzle commenced.

How appropriate. That stadium has been a Gothic nightmare for the Eskimos, who had lost eight of their last 10 games there before winning a pair in spectacular fashion this season.

But it wasn’t Ray’s fault that what could have been a near-laugher became a down-to-the-wire nail-biter.

Suddenly, Eskimos receivers couldn’t hold on to the ball, whether it was Stamps, Maurice Mann, Kamau Peterson or Jamaica Rector.

Speaking in a post-game interview on 630 CHED, Ray told Dave Campbell, “Those were not easy catches. It was raining, it was windy… ”

Ray was not wrong and he certainly was not unkind to his teammates.

Most important, he wasn’t rattled. That’s a key part of the Ray package. He doesn’t rattle.

Many people–general managers, head coaches, teammates, and many fans–really like that in a quarterback. The Eskimos sure do.

It’s one reason middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd chastised the fans for booing Ray off the field after that 40-22 loss back on July 16.

That wasn’t Ray’s only low moment this season, but the team’s faith in their veteran QB is unshakable.

Ray’s composure, his accurate arm, his smarts, his quiet leadership and much else are why, the novelty of Zabransky’s surprise game-opening appearance aside, Ray is out there, play after play for Edmonton.

As the games get tougher to win down the stretch, the Eskimos are going to need Ray at his best, also.

The defending Grey Cup champion Stampeders acquired receivers Arjei Franklin and Rombey Bryant from Winnipeg on Sunday, filling holes created by injuries to Ken-Yon Rambo and Ryan Thelwell.

Sunday’s loss notwithstanding, the revamped Roughriders seem to be improving at the same pace as their rapidly maturing quarterback, Darian Durant.

CFL opponents underestimate Wally Buono’s B.C. Lions at their peril.

CFL opponents long ago learned not to underestimate Ray’s importance to the Eskimos, either.

Precisely why a rearguard faction of Edmonton fans grumble about Ray remains a mystery.

Read more…..

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

Kitwana Jones tackled the issue of his release by the Eskimos just like he did the purse snatcher he brought down in the streets of downtown Edmonton in July–head on.

“I want to beat them very badly. Words can’t describe how bad I want to beat them,” Jones said of facing his former teammates on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium, after being cut by head coach Richie Hall following a 32-8 Labour Day meltdown in Calgary.

“I want to show them what type of player I truly am. That’s what happens when you think you deserve more playing time. You want to prove people wrong.”

So it should be an even more enthusiastic Jones that suits up for the first time since rejoining the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they entertain the Eskimos at 2 p. m.

After being released 10 days ago, Jones–who brought down a suspected Edmonton purse snatcher just prior to making an appearance at a Capital Ex breakfast on the legislature grounds– is set for his debut, having missed last Sunday’s 55-10 Riders win in Winnipeg.

Immediately after his departure, Jones was contacted by several teams. He ended up signing a new contract with the Riders, who had traded him to Edmonton in May for the rights to quarterback prospect Juan Joseph, who was subsequently released at training camp.

Jones joined former Riders teammate Maurice Lloyd and coach Hall — his previous defensive co-ordinator in Regina–in Edmonton and the three continued their tight bond, until the surprising cut last week.

“Yeah, I was more than surprised, especially when you feel you’ve done exactly what you were asked to do,” said Jones. “I know how hard it was for Richie to let me go, how hard it was to be the bearer of bad news. I love Richie.”

Jones has the same emotions when the conversation turns to Lloyd, the Eskimos middle linebacker.

“It’s going to be very hard(having to play Lloyd). I’m not going to lie to you. But I’m ready. I’ll be going against my brother and that’s exactly what it’s going to be like, brothers competing,” he said.

“Knowing it’s someone you look up to, you just don’t understand how hard that is. It is very tough.”

The feelings are mutual, for both Lloyd and Hall.

“It’s very emotional any time you let someone go whom you have a close relationship with. That’s tough,” Hall admitted. “He’s a super person and it was very hard. The decision had nothing to do with personal perspective. We were going in a different direction, a different skill set at that particular position.”

“It’s going to be tough playing against somebody that helped me become who I am in this league,” Lloyd–a rookie in Saskatchewan four years ago during Jones’s sophomore campaign–said immediately following Jones’s release.

“At the same time, if I’m worrying about what he does then I might be on the next plane out of here as well,” added Lloyd, who dubbed Jones “Batman” after his early morning heroics in July.

The dynamic duo will get together on Saturday night, but they will be competitors come Sunday.

“I talk to K. J. every day. Between the white lines, just like every other team, it’s going to be a dogfight. There are no friends,” insisted Lloyd. “If you’re not wearing the same jersey as me, there aren’t no friends. Outside the white lines it’s still the same Mo and K. J., best friends, nothing negative outside the football facility. But between the two white lines there is no brotherly love at all.

“On Saturday night, I may break bread with him, but he knows after 9 o’clock I’m in my room staying off my feet, watching as much TV as I can before I fall asleep.”

Those feet will be very lively come Sunday afternoon, for both athletes. All the Eskimos know exactly what they’re going to get when they step onto the turf — one fired up linebacker and solid special-teamer.

“That’s what you get no matter who he plays against,” said Hall. “He’s a very high-energy person. Now he’s back in a place where he’s very familiar with those players and all those fans. He’ll be very excited, I’m sure. We’ll see the Kitwana we’re accustomed to seeing. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“He’s a special-teams demon,” added Esks running back and return man Arkee Whitlock. “He fits in nice with their scheme. We’re going to have to come out and execute if we want to get things done.”

Read more….

Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

Kick-returner Tristan Jackson remained on the sidelines during Wednesday morning’s practice, but the Edmonton Eskimos welcomed back running back Calvin McCarty for the two-hour session.

McCarty, out with a hamstring injury sustained on Aug. 13, is expected to be in the lineup for Sunday afternoon’s venture into Mosaic Stadium in Regina as the Eskimos start a back-to-back series against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“Glad to be back, get some work in, and be able to come back and contribute,” said McCarty, who took his fair share of reps in practice, both on offence and special teams.

“I feel good. It’s just getting my legs back under me and getting back in the offence and getting comfortable again.

“Watching the game from the sideline, I’ve really been antsy. I know it takes time; you have to be patient with hammies. But it feels good. There are only so many game days in the year, so I’m glad to be back and playing.”

Fullbacks Graeme Bell and Mathieu Bertrand were also back at work after taking Tuesday off.

“I think any time there’s a veteran starter that’s out (it hurts),” said head coach Richie Hall. “But, at the same time, I think we went in there and did a pretty good job with the players that we had.”

Hall said it was nice to get McCarty back on the field on Wednesday, but he pointed out that the players will have their full pads on during today’s practice.

“You know, you get more of a stronger indication (today) because first you see how he feels physically, and then is he able to participate in a full practice?”

Linebacker Mark Restelli (shoulder) joined Jackson on the sidelines and is doubtful for Sunday.

In Jackson’s place, the Esks worked out several possible return men, including Bradley Robinson, Jason Goss and Eric Ware, who returned to the club on Tuesday after being cut at training camp due to a hamstring injury. Lenny Williams is also capable of returning kicks, as is Jamaica Rector.

Jackson remains out with a knee injury and wore a brace as he sprinted on the sidelines on Wednesday.

“I saw him jogging with it, so that’s one step closer than yesterday,” Hall said of Jackson. “Hopefully, he gets stronger each day. He’s a difference-maker. He’s instant field position and he’s a person who can score any time he touches the football. If he’s not playing, that’s a big part of our overall talent.

“There is a difference between him and the other guys. I’m not saying the other guys can’t do it. What it is, is that’s his gift. That’s what his role is.”

NOTICEABLY ABSENT, AGAIN

Missing for the second straight day were fullback Mike Maurer and offensive lineman Garrick Jones.

Jones’s wife delivered a baby during the weekend and he is expected to be back today. Maurer has returned home to Regina and will not be available this week. He was pegged as a temporary fill-in for McCarty.

“There were some things he needed to take care of at home–things he needed to get in order that couldn’t be handled from afar,” said Hall.

A message at Maurer’s tree-cutting business in Regina says he would be in Edmonton until Sept 13, confirming his temporary return to the Saskatchewan capital.

Asked if Maurer would be available later on if needed, Hall responded: “I’m hoping so. We’ll have a chance to visit when we get to Regina.”

Jones, meanwhile, remains on the nine-game injured list, meaning his services are done for the season, although the Esks can make one recall off that list.

Jones is an import and his recall would affect the ratio.

“He understands the issue. We’ve spoken and he’s told me he’s ready to help when needed,” said Hall.

GOLD IN THEM THAR HEELS

There was a bright addition on the Clarke Park turf on Wednesday. It came in the form of Arkee Whitlock’s new shoes–flashy yellow Nikes, with a tinge of green to match the Eskimos team colours.

“These are my Usain Bolts, man. They not only make me faster, but prettier,” said a laughing Whitlock.

“I figured I’d bring them out to practice today, make a few people laugh. The guys are hating on me, though… jealous because they don’t have a pair.”

Read more….