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Carlos Anderson looking to make the most of his second chance with Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Carlos Anderson takes a break between drills on Thursday at rookie camp. Jeremy Desrochers / Global News

WINNIPEG — One player is making a return appearance at Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp after getting cut last year, but running back Carlos Anderson wasn’t released because of a lack of talent.

Anderson, 25, was turning heads at last years’ training camp after running a punt return back for a touchdown in the pre-season, then tragedy struck. In the Bombers final exhibition game Anderson suffered a season ending knee injury.

WATCH: Video of Carlos Anderson’s knee injury in the 2015 pre-season

Click to play video: 'Carlos Anderson Injury'
Carlos Anderson Injury

“Tried to make a cut,” said Anderson. “The ACL and the meniscus tore but you know things happen, god works in mysterious ways.”

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It was a potentially career threatening injury. Anderson had the surgery performed in Canada but then returned home to Kansas City for more than six months of rehab. There were times when he thought his football career might be over.

“It looked pretty bleak for about I don’t know four or five months,” Anderson said. “I was trying to stay strong waiting on the call.”

Eventually the call came but second chances don’t come very often in professional football and Anderson intends to make the most of the opportunity given to him by head coach Mike O’Shea.

“I’m forever indebted to Coach O’Shea for giving me another shot because he didn’t have to but they called me back up,” Anderson said. “I just came back and try to give my all again.”

WATCH: Carlos Anderson Raw Interview

Click to play video: 'Blue Bombers Carlos Anderson Raw Interview'
Blue Bombers Carlos Anderson Raw Interview

“He’s moving around well,” said O’Shea. “It was unfortunate last year what happened to him. To see a kid bounce back like that, it’s awesome.”

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Anderson is wearing a knee brace in camp but says the knee is 100 per cent. And things are now looking up for Anderson. Not only did he sign with the Bombers earlier in the week, he just found out his wife is pregnant.

But with the Bombers intending to start a Canadian at the running back position with the addition of Andrew Harris, the only spot for Anderson might be at returner.

“Being hungry is what got to me to where I was last year,” said Anderson. “So you always got to feel like you’re the sixth man on the depth chart, just trying to earn a spot.”

WATCH: Mike O’Shea Media Briefing – Thursday

Click to play video: 'Blue Bombers Mike O’Shea Thursday Media Briefing Raw'
Blue Bombers Mike O’Shea Thursday Media Briefing Raw

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