Aug
Eskimos add former Penn State stand out
Courtesy Vancouver Province:
The Edmonton Eskimos wasted little time finding a replacement for Ciatrick Fason, signing former Penn State University running back Rodney Kinlaw to the practice roster on Wednesday.
Kinlaw, 24, ran for 1,329 yards on 243 carries and scored 10 touchdowns in his senior year in 2007 for the Nittany Lions for a 5.5-yard average. He was also named the most valuable player of the 2007 Alamo Bowl as he ran for 143 yards in a 24-17 victory over Texas A&M before 66,166 fans in San Antonio.
“Pretty good so far, just trying to get used to the speed and the change in the game,” said the five-foot-nine, 215-pounder, who had his first workout with his new team on Wednesday at Rundle Park.
Kinlaw signed as a free agent with the New York Jets in August 2008 before being released by the National Football League team. He then signed on with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in February 2009, but never joined the Canadian Football League club. He was released in April prior to camps starting.
“They had the coaching staff change and I never did end up going,” said Kinlaw, who remained at home in South Carolina, hoping for another shot. “I made sure I stayed in shape and wasn’t ready to give the game up.”
The United Football League showed some interest, but then the Eskimos called.
“I’ve seen some footage of him,” said Eskimos general manager Danny Maciocia. “We’ll take a look at him.”
Fason was on the Esks practice roster, but decided not to return to Edmonton following bye week. He has officially been released.
A hamstring injury to Calvin McCarty has reduced the running back numbers to just feature back Arkee Whitlock, aside from fullbacks Graeme Bell, Mathieu Bertrand and local product Chris Ciezki.
“I expect him to come in here and provide for us, help our service team until he gets acquainted with the CFL game,” Eskimos head coach Richie Hall said of Kinlaw. “We just want him to relax. I wouldn’t say take things slow, but don’t be in a rush, get your feet underneath you.
“He’s got nice size, good quickness, good speed; he’s a natural running back.”
BARRENECHEA OUT
Former Eskimos linebacker Agustin Barrenechea, now with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is expected to be out for the season after doctors discovered two blood clots in his lung last weekend.
Barrenechea went to hospital on Friday after feeling tightness in his chest.
“He knew his body didn’t feel quite right and he was smart enough to go into emergency. It could have been a serious thing,” Hamilton general manager Bob O’Billovich, told the Hamilton Spectator. “It’s under control and everything is fine now.”
THIS AND THAT – Kevin Glenn is expected to start at quarterback for Hamilton on Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium. Quinton Porter is nursing an MCL injury. – Lenny Williams’ status, as questionable, hasn’t changed, but expect the Eskimos to keep him out against the Tabbies.
“He feels pretty good. I had a good visit with him. More or less, we’re taking precautions with him,” said Hall of his defensive halfback, whom he had a long chat with along the sidelines at practice on Wednesday. Williams said earlier this week he wanted to play. – Maciocia was in Florida on Wednesday and will watch receiver Kelly Campbell’s debut tonight with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Miami Dolphins. That is, if the former Eskimo plays.
“I don’t even know if he will play. We’ll probably have a better feel for it (Thursday)morning,” said Maciocia, who has talked to the Bucs’executive about Campbell’s status.
The former Esks receiver has fallen down the depth chart due to a quadriceps injury, but the Bucs were counting on him to be one of five receivers this season. Media reports suggest his job may be on the line tonight. – Jesse Lumsden was scheduled to return to Edmonton Wednesday night from Hamilton where he was resting after what is likely season-ending shoulder surgery two weeks ago. He’s expected to talk to media today.
