Courtesy Edmonton Journal:

It was after Week 2 that Edmonton Eskimos head coach Richie Hall openly admitted his staff overlooked the use of Calvin McCarty.

The Eskimos running back is definitely in use now.

McCarty was among the four athletes named Wednesday as Canadian Football League players of the month for July. The 24-year-old has become a key contributor, carrying the ball 34 times for 167 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He also has 13 catches for 95 yards and two TDs as he sits tied for the league-lead in scoring majors with Montreal’s Avon Cobourne and Calgary’s Joffrey Reynolds.

“That first week I played, but (Jesse) Lumsden went down and we weren’t sure if we were going to platoon or not,” said McCarty. “That second week (a 50-16 loss in Montreal) … things happen. I wouldn’t say I wasn’t in the game plan. I barely played that game, but I took a lot of reps that week. I was as surprised as everybody else.

“I just want to win; contribute and win games and if that means an increase in my role, I will take it.”

Hall has certainly given McCarty his chances, of late.

“He came in and gave us a boost. We didn’t utilize him a lot in the second game and for him to do what he accomplished in a short amount of time, I think, shows a lot about his play,” said Hall.

McCarty’s best game of July came in Week 4 against Saskatchewan in which he ran for 76 yards on nine carries and scored two touchdowns. All that while sharing time in the Esks backfield with Arkee Whitlock.

“The most important thing is me and Calvin are team players and we’ll do anything it takes to give our team an opportunity to win,” said Whitlock, who was named CFL special-teams player of the week on Tuesday. “Plus, it keeps you fresh the day after the game, because you haven’t run 100 plays by yourself. We split plays and the main focus is we just want to do whatever we can to help our teammates.”

The league also recognized former Eskimos safety, Siddeeq Shabazz, as top defensive player for the month. Shabazz is currently in Winnipeg and leading the league in interceptions with four.

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo and return man Larry Taylor were named top offensive player and top special teams player respectively in the Gibson’s Finest CFL players of the month awards. Eskimos kick returner Tristan Jackson was named a runner-up in the special-teams category.

THIS AND THAT… – Offensive lineman Adam Rogers and defensive back Jason Nugent got into a heated exchange midway through practice Wednesday.

“When I play, I play angry all the time. I leave my frustrations on the field,” said Nugent, who is always intense and one of the best hitters in the league. “He hit me and I took it a little too far.

“But it’s football. We’re teammates. Off the field we hang out, we’re good friends,” said Nugent. “It’s cool. We’ll have beers together after the game.”

The melee quickly ended. “I realized, what am I doing? He’s

300 pounds and I’m like 200, I think I should stop,” smiled Nugent. – Maurice Mann (hip) sat out Wednesday and practice roster receiver Efrem Hill took most of the reps. Mann is expected to play Saturday in Hamilton. Canadian receiver Kevin Challenger, hurt at Monday’s session, was back at work. – Several of the Esks are expected to be involved in the second annual Karl B memorial golf event, slated for Aug. 31 at Goose Hummock Golf Resort. Proceeds go to the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Cost is$150 and event coordinator Steve Pope hopes to raise $50,000 this year. More info is available at www.karlbmemorial.com.

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