WINNIPEG — Despite missing four field goals and a convert in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 24-23 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday, kicker Lirim Hajrullahu hasn’t been booted to the sidelines.
Not yet anyways.
RELATED: Eskimos beat Bombers 24-23 with last-second field goal
The Bombers will evaluate their kicking situation up to Thursday’s practice before making a decision for Saturday’s game in Vancouver against the BC Lions. One option is to go with Hajrullahu for punts and backup kicker Sergio Castillo for field goals.
” I’m here to hopefully just help the team out,” Castillo said. “Out here trying to prove what I can do and hopefully the opportunity comes.”
Hajrullahu faced the media for the first time since this weekend’s loss. He stayed out of the Bombers’ locker room following the game to avoid any interviews.
“I apologize for ducking out,” Hajrullahu said. “It’s our duty to be available to media. It was a frustrating time for me. I didn’t think I would say the right things being in the state of mind I was.
Hajrullahu said he leaned on his family and teammates to help restore his confidence. He’s also using what he calls the ’24 hour’ rule in which he forces the game out of his mind after a day.
“I tried to focus as hard as I could,” Hajrullahu said. “It’s just one of those things where nothing goes right. Obviously it eats away at you. You’re trying to help our team get into a playoff spot and be the head ringer in that.”
WATCH: Lirim Hajrullahu talks about Bombers loss
THIRD DOWN: The Bombers have “essentially let go” of RB Chevon Walker as per head coach Mike O’Shea. The import was signed September 1 by Winnipeg and played five games with the team.
The Bombers also added defensive lineman Jamarkus McFarland, receiver Desmond Lawrence, running back/returner Jeff Scott, defensive lineman Roy Philon and defensive lineman Leon Mackey to the practice roster on Monday. All five players are imports.
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