Drew Edwards ?@scratchingpost 15m
Last of the bad news #Ticats updates: KR/WR Brandon Banks not practicing today, either.
Drew Edwards ?@scratchingpost 17m
#Ticats QB @ZCollaros7 not practicing today. With the short week before #Bombers game, means it’s highly doubtful he’ll play.
Drew Edwards ?@scratchingpost 22m
#Ticats DB @CButler28 is wearing a walking boot & not practicing today. Would be a significant loss.
Drew Edwards ?@scratchingpost 41s
For those looking for good #Ticats news: @Simoni_Lawrence and @Mr513RicoMurray both practicing today, as is @Filer64.
Two people about ready to come back.. two more going down to injuries.
If this team can ever get all of its starters healthy? Man, we are going to be great...
Mend completely and quickly, gentlemen. We miss you out there on the field.
Drew Edwards ?@scratchingpost 49m
#Ticats S @CButler28 not practicing again today. Virtually no chance he plays Thursday vs. #Bombers.
Why the heck are so many guys unhealthy? I mean, I didn't see a lot of big injuries during the game.
Here is some more news from Drew Edwards
[b]"Though he did finish the game, Austin said it was unlikely Butler — a key Canadian starter — would play Thursday. If he can't go, look for sophomore Neil King, who started the Grey Cup game in the safety spot last season to replace him.
Other notables not practising included receiver and return man Brandon Banks — who scored Saturday's opening points on a 53-yard shovel pass, linebacker Marcellus Bowman and Canadian defensive tackle Hasan Hazime, who has been a regular part of the defensive line rotation and plays a significant role on special teams.
But it wasn't all bad news. Linebackers Simoni Lawrence and Rico Murray have returned to action and will likely be available versus the Bombers, as will offensive lineman Mike Filer, who was tabbed as the team's starting centre before getting hurt in the pre-season. Canadian defensive lineman Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, who missed the Ottawa game due to injury, could also return, helping offset the loss of Hazime. Receiver Greg Ellingson is back practising as well"[/b]
Banks, Bowman and Butler.
That is gonna hurt us!
With Brandon Banks having sat out both days of practise, in preparation for WPG, we'd have to expect he'll miss the game too.
If that's the case, who'll be our main return man -- Gable, Madu, Koch, Giguere, or will we get to see Quincy McDuffie, who had some pretty impressive numbers, as a returner, in college?
McDuffie played 52 games in four seasons (2009-12) at Central Florida…had 92 catches for 1,102 yards and seven touchdowns, and 420 yards and four touchdowns on 52 carries at UCF…added 90 kickoff returns for 2,501 yards and six touchdowns…caught 28 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns while leading the nation in kickoff returns with 582 yards (34.2 AVG) and three touchdowns on 17 returns as a senior…became first UCF receiver in school history to rush for over 100 yards in 2011…finished his career as UCF’s all-time leader in kickoff returns (90), kickoff return yard (2,501) and kickoff return touchdowns (6)…named All-C-USA first team in 2010 and 2012, and C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year in 2012…was selected as UCF’s most Outstanding Special Teams Player, Offensive Players and Wide Receiver in 2012.
Think we'll see McDuffie along with Madu.
Madu has showed great effort and speed in the action I've seen him in. He delivered a tackle on special teams against Ottawa that was linebacker-like. I wouldn't mind seeing him return kicks.
However, I believe that McDuffie is a kick return specialist, from what I recall. So he may get a shot.
From Drew Edwards,
"Notes: The Ticats look set to make a number of changes to the roster for Thursday's game against the Bombers. Among the most notable, safety Craig Butler and receiver Brandon Banks will miss the game due to injury. Look for Quincy McDuffie to make his CFL debut as Hamilton's primary return man ... Ticats linebacker Marcellus Bowman has been fined an undisclosed amount by the CFL for "using his helmet to deliver a blow to an opponent's helmet" in last Saturday's game versus the Redblacks. Bowman was flagged on the play for unnecessary roughness ... Nick Moore, Winnipeg's leading receiver, has been ruled out of Thursday's game due to injury."
Former Ti-Cat Aaron Kelly will take his place.
Always like Aaron. Hope he has a good game. Just not too good of a game. Same hoes for Peach & Bucknor. Really appreciated all 3 guys during their time here in Hamilton.
As a side note, Onrea Jones signed with the RedBlacks.
And, one-game (@ EDM) Ti-Cat D.J. Young did also.