Fresh off a bye week, the Edmonton Eskimos returned to work this week with a renewed focus and determination in their quest to snap a five-game losing streak.
The Eskimos will get a chance to play the team that started the skid in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who visit The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday night.
The Eskimos saw their 7-0 streak come to an end on August 17 in Winnipeg losing 36-33 to the Bombers. The Eskimos sit in the third place in the Western Division with a 7-5 record, four points back of the 9-3 Bombers for second place in the West. Another loss by Edmonton would likely end their hopes of hosting a playoff game in November. A win and they would remain alive for a home playoff game and a win by eight points or more would give the Eskimos the season series.
Receiver Adarius Bowman says there’s no other way to describe Saturday’s game against the Bombers but as a must-win.
“I would call it that and would for every game from here on,” Bowman said. “From this point on and all the way through Grey Cup are must wins. Some may answer that different but for us, I’m going to say ‘yes’ because we need them all playing over here in the West.”
During the bye week the team made a big signing which should have a positive impact on their defence. Defensive back Aaron Grymes will make return to the Green and Gold on Saturday and play his first game since the 2015 Grey Cup game. Grymes will start at short-side halfback.
Offensive lineman Danny Groulx will make his return to the lineup at left guard after missing the last two games because of injury. This week the Eskimos also signed veteran kicker Swayze Waters who will handle field goals on Saturday. Waters is a four-year CFL veteran and was the 2014 Most Outstanding Special Teams player when he was with the Toronto Argonauts.
Coming out of the lineup are receiver Shamawd Chambers who was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on September 17. Defensive back Ahmad Dixon who was released this week after playing in Toronto, and offensive lineman Jacob Ruby will come out of the lineup.
The following are the projected offensive and defensive starters for the Eskimos:
Offence
Quarterback: Mike Reilly
Running Back: Travon Van
Offensive Line: Joel Figeuroa-Danny Groulx-Justin Sorensen-Matt O’Donnell-Colin Kelly
Receivers: Derel Walker-Adarius Bowman-Cory Watson-Brandon Zylstra-Duke Williams
Defence
Defensive Line: John Chick-Almondo Sewell-Euclid Cummings-Odell Willis
Linebackers: Adam Konar-Christophe Mulumba-Tshimanga-Kenny Ladler
Defensive Backs: Johnny Adams-Aaron Grymes-Neil King-Forrest Hightower-Chris Edwards
The Bombers come into Saturday’s game winners of seven of their last eight games. Last week they beat the Ottawa Redblacks 29-9 at Investor’s Group Field in Winnipeg. Quarterback Matt Nichols has a 19-6 record in his last 25 games while throwing 40 touchdown passes to just 16 interceptions.
The Bombers have received solid play from running back Andrew Harris who is third in the CFL in rushing yards with 739 yards. He also has recorded 637 yards receiving, Harris’ 75 catches are third best in the CFL and is pace for 113 catches which would be a CFL record for most receptions by a running back in one season.
CISN Country 103.9 will have live coverage of today’s game starting with Countdown to Kick-off at 6:30pm. The opening kick-off between the Eskimos and Bombers will be at 7:30pm on The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium.
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