Drew Edwards gives a pretty solid explanation as to why Austin chooses to have no Back up RB
[b] A number of fans have also questioned the Ticats’ decision to only dress one running back, given that it’s now caused them problems in two games. But small CFL rosters and ratio issues make dressing two backs a challenge unless the back up can contribute on special teams as a return man. The Ticats use their designated imports on kicker Justin Medlock, defensive back Ed Gainey and linebacker Marcellus Bowman (who both play top notch special teams and situational defence) as well as receiver Terrell Sinkfield, who plays some offence handles the kick return duties. To get another import running back on the roster, one of those guys has to come off.
At the moment, the Ticats don’t seem to have a return man who can back up at running back. They’ve had a couple in the last year – Kendial Lawrence, Lindsey Lamar for example – but those guys are both gone now.
The Ticats could dress Canadian Bo Palmer, which the Ticats have done a couple times this year. But Palmer is essentially a rookie and has only recently returned from injury: I’m not sure how well he knows the offence or how comfortable the Cats would feel in handing him the ball in crunch time. And dressing a guy just for insurance purposes is tough to do in the CFL: the rosters are so small, everybody has to contribute in some way. The Ticats are also employing two Canadian long snappers at the moment (Kyle Miller handles field goals, Aaron Crawford the punts, meaning that roster space among national players is also at a premium.
With Gable out and Madu injured on Friday, it will be interesting to see what the Ticats do next. Sam Ojuri has been with the team since July and he may very well be the next man up if Madu can’t go.[/b]
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