WINNIPEG – Breathe easy Winnipeg. Your hometown hero has healed.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris will play in Friday’s season opener against the Montreal Alouettes at Investors Group Field. The Winnipegger was questionable up until this morning after he suffered a suspected hamstring injury during Tuesday’s practice.
RELATED: Andrew Harris’ status uncertain after leaving Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice
“He’s good to go,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea.
“We worked him out this morning, put him through the paces and he looked good.”
RAW: Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea meets with the media ahead of Friday’s season opener.
Harris went to make a catch near the end of Tuesday’s training session and seemed to favour his right leg as he came off the field. The injury forced the 29-year-old to watch Wednesday’s practice.
“I think, like everyone, I was a little tight,” said Harris. “It was a little tweak on my leg.”
I’ve been working hard on it to loosen it up. I worked out this morning and it felt great.”
Harris signed with the Bombers as a free agent back in February. The former member of the Oak Park Raiders played his first six seasons in the CFL with the B.C. Lions. Last year, Harris logged 1039 yards rushing, 484 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.
Timothy Flanders is being taken off the practice roster to backup Harris in tomorrow’s game. The Bombers decided to dress the American as a precautionary measure and to use him on special teams.
“I feel quite comfortable putting him out there,” said O’Shea. “He’s an eager guy, a good athlete and we’re going to give him a shot.”
INCOMING INTERNATIONAL: The Bombers have added American defensive back Travis Hawkins to their practice roster. Hawkins had 37 defensive tackles and two interceptions in 15 games with the Toronto Argonauts last season.