PRUNEAU STILL OUT, BUT OTHER REDBLACKS RETURNING
It looks like the Ottawa Redblacks could get at least four players back from their injury list for Saturday’s game in Hamilton.
Linebackers Kevin Brown and Avery Williams look ready to go. And it may also be time for special-teamers Justin Howell and Dan West to return. Williams was on the one-game injured list, while the others were on the sixgame list.
Safety Antoine Pruneau isn’t ready to return, though Redblacks coach Rick Campbell is optimistic he could return soon.
“I think the guy’s going to play again this year,” said Campbell. “I can’t tell you exactly when. As soon as he’s medically cleared to go, he’ll go. He keeps getting good news, he’s progressing.”
Brown, who was put on the six-game list two weeks ago, more as a precautionary move, said: “I’m just happy to be able to contribute to the rest of the season and to the things we want to do going forward. I understood (why they kept me out), it was just being smart. The team was trying to see the big picture.”
While several other CFL teams have been decimated by injuries, the Redblacks have come through the season in pretty good shape.
“We’ve been fortunate,” Brown said. “We’ve had a few injuries, but so far, knock on wood, there hasn’t been anything major. It’s something you can’t really control, but it’s something we’re thankful for.”
Saturday’s game in Hamilton is big. The Redblacks have already clinched a home playoff game, but if they beat the Ticats, they will wrap up first place and a bye into the East Division final.
“This game’s very important to set us up for what we want to do, ultimately,” said Brown. “The sooner we can solidify that top spot, the better. The bye is important. Last year, we really needed that bye because we had a lot of injuries (they fell into second place and lost their playoff game to Saskatchewan). It feels way different this year, we’re getting a lot of guys back (from injury) this week.”