Words can’t explain how much the Edmonton Eskimos will miss J.C. Sherritt, both on and off the field, for the 2017 season.
The seven-year middle linebacker suffered a season-ending injury on Saturday night in Vancouver when he ruptured his Achilles tendon in the 30-27 win over the B.C. Lions.
On the 630 CHED Eskimos Coach’s Show Monday night, Jason Maas said he knows Sherritt’s injury leaves a massive hole to fill on the field, and in the dressing room.
“He is the heart and soul of our defence.”
“He is unbelievable off the field, and on field, shoot, the guy makes plays and the guys on the team love him. He is an enjoyable person to be around. He is a great teammate.”
The 29-year-old, who had a fumble recovery in Vancouver before he left the game, has been among the Eskimos leaders in tackles on a consistent basis since his arrival in 2011 when he made everyone notice him in his first CFL game with 10 defensive tackles and a special teams tackle.
A graduate of Eastern Washington Sherritt has already told Maas he wants to help in anyway he can during the season and Maas is going to take him up on that offer.
“He wants to stick around and help us. He will make a difference still for our team,” Maas said. “There will be a role here for J.C. as long as I am here. I have told him he needs to concentrate on himself right now and get his leg back to where it needs to be so he can feel good about that.
“The moment he is ready to get back in there and get grinding again with us, there will be a spot in our coach’s room for him.”
The coach also expects to see Sherritt back on the field again
“This is a big injury to overcome, there is no question about that, but there are guys in professional sports who have overcome this injury. If J.C. wants to do that, he will do it, and until then he will impact our football team in other ways.”
The next man up at the middle linebacker position is Korey Jones who took over from Sherritt on Saturday, and will start Friday against the Montreal Alouettes.
After Jones, it’s rookie Terrence Bullitt and newly signed Alex Hoffman-Ellis, who is rejoining the team after getting released just before training camp. Hoffman-Ellis is a three-year CFL vet who played five games with the Eskimos last season.
The Eskimos also announced Tuesday they have released international receiver K.J. Maye.
The Eskimos will host Montreal Friday evening for the season home-opener. 630 CHED will have live coverage from the Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium, starting with the Countdown to Kick Off at 6 p.m.
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