Eskimos ‘healthier’ for rematch with Stamps

Derel Walker wasn’t the only reinforcement landing back on what has been a beleaguered Edmonton Eskimos roster.

The team that got off to a 7-0 start to the season despite a battery of injuries up and down the lineup saw a host of healthy bodies return to the practice field Wednesday, as the Eskimos look to end a three-game losing streak in Saturday’s Labour Day rematch at Commonwealth Stadium (7 p.m., TSN, ESPN3, 630 CHED).

“We’re getting healthier, we knew that was going to happen,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas.

“We knew we were weeks away from that being the case for everybody, but we’re certainly going to get some reinforcements back.”

Left guard Simeon Rottier, defensive tackle Euclud Cummings, defensive end Phillip Hunt, linebacker Blair Smith and safety Neil King are all returning from the six-game injured list, while defensive tackle Da’Quan Bowers is back after a stint on the one-game injured list.

“Any time that’s happening to you, you’re going to be a better football club because of it,” Maas said.

“I feel like we’re turning in the right direction, our guys had a good, confident day, and I look forward to nothing but success here in the near future.”

Defensive end Odell Willis sat out Wednesday’s practice along with defensive tackle Almondo Sewell, while defensive back Chris Rwabukamba has been released.

“We’re getting there, slowly but surely,” said Brock Sunderland, whose inaugural season as the Eskimos general manager has been a baptism by fire.

“It’s nice to see some guys we anticipated being with us all year back out on the field today.”