WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers returned to the practice field on Tuesday knowing they no longer control their own destiny entering the final week of the regular season. The Bombers have already secured a playoff berth but will need a win over the Ottawa RedBlacks on Friday and a loss by the B.C. Lions to get their first home playoff game since 2011.
“It’s disappointing that we don’t control that spot anymore by winning the last week,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “It’s one loss and we go through the same process on a weekly basis and move on.”
“You try not to think about too much outside your control anyway,” said quarterback Matt Nichols. “Whether you control your own destiny or not.”
Immediately after Saturday’s loss to the RedBlacks, Nichols called it his worst game of the season. Nichols said he’s now watched the game film more than 10 times and has already moved on.
“Sometimes too, a good smack in the face isn’t always the worst thing. I mean a little bit of a wake up call before the playoffs,” Nichols said.
“It’s one of those things you got to stay off the roller coaster and just deal with a little bit of adversity. Didn’t play my best game but I’ve been dealing with adversity my entire life and you always kinda come back and answer it.”
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Linebacker Ian Wild and offensive lineman Sukh Chungh both took part in practice on Tuesday after sitting out Saturday’s loss with injuries. There’s no guarantee they play this week though as O’Shea said he’d be cautious with the injured players with a playoff game just around the corner. Still, the Bombers will try to avoid entering the post-season on a two game losing streak.
“You want to be playing well going into the playoffs,” said Jamaal Westerman. “Not to say that we play horribly and win, then it’s like ah we’re going to be horrible in the playoffs. But you want to be always playing better, always extended, always improving your play.”
“If you lose two games going into the playoffs it’s not saying that you can’t go in and win a playoff game,” said Nichols. “But obviously you’d like to feel good about yourselves and have that good momentum rolling into the playoffs.”
Linebacker Khalil Bass missed practice and is doubtful to play on Friday. Clarence Denmark’s status is also up in the air for Friday’s rematch.
WATCH: Raw Mike O’Shea Media Briefing – November 1
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