Sep
McCarty set to return to Esks
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.”
