Winnipeg’s O-line determined to protect Nichols against Lions
Bombers QB returns from injury tonight
WINNIPEG — Matt Nichols could be feeling the heat from more than today’s scorching weather forecast.
The Blue Bombers’ starting quarterback is making his season debut against the B.C. Lions (5:30 p.m. on TSN) after suffering a knee injury during a noncontact play at practice on June 6.
Nichols and his teammates are pumped for his return to the huddle on a day with a forecast high of 35, but offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick expects the Lions’ defenders will go hard at the pivot.
“I think they’ll try to bring more to Matt since he’s coming fresh off of injury,” Hardwick said after Friday’s walk-through. “Try to rattle him more or try to get to his injury or things like that.
“But it makes the challenge even more for the [offensive] line. We’re excited for it because all we want to do it keep [Nichols] up.”
He vowed to do whatever it takes to protect the pivot, who will wear a brace on his right knee.
“Experience, the leadership, the spunk,” Hardrick said of the qualities Nichols brings to the offence that was run in his absence by rookie backup Chris Streveler.
“Not to want to let the guy down is just so much.”
Lions middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian wasn’t revealing Friday whether putting extra pressure on Nichols will be part of the game plan.
“I cannot say that,” he said with a chuckle. “You know what, he’s come off of injury and I don’t know how great he feels or whatnot. But the fact he’s out there tells you he’s healthy enough to play.
“So whether it’s Nichols or Streveler, any good quarterback in the CFL, you have to put pressure on him. You can’t let him have all time and sit back there and pick you apart. You have to change up the look.”
Nichols, who was expected to be out four to six weeks, said Streveler did a great job for the team that’s 1-2 , but he’s ready to reclaim his spot.
“I fully expect to go out there and perform right away,” Nichols said. “I mean, I wouldn’t be going out there if I didn’t feel like I was going to be giving my team a great chance to win.
Both teams are hoping for bounce-back games. Last week, the Lions lost 41-22 to Edmonton and Hamilton defeated Winnipeg 31-17.