New arrivals give Eskimos a chance to shuffle O-line
Sports organizations tend to shy away from reality TV cameras — such programs coinciding with successful seasons are rare — but there was something TV-worthy happening with the Edmonton Eskimos on Tuesday.
Extreme O-Line Makeover was a camera crew away from running through its pilot episode.
Some of the change the Eskimos’ inconsistent offensive line saw was likely temporary. Right guard Simeon Rottier was with his wife, Jennifer — who gave birth to a baby boy, their second child — during practice.
Brian Ramsay filled in for Rottier at right guard.
The most interesting action on the line came at centre, where Alexander Krausnick took first-team reps in place of Gord Hinse and Ramsay. Thaddeus Coleman remained at left tackle and Matt O’Donnell was the other pillar on the right side of the line, moving over from left guard.
The other new addition was Miles Mason. The six-footthree, 315-pounder was signed on Tuesday morning and is listed on the practice roster, but could play this Sunday in Toronto against the Argonauts.
Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed said he’s taking advantage of a long week by looking at shuffling his O-line.
“We want to get a look at these guys. It’s not fair to bring these guys in and not have a good look at them. (Wednesday) is the day we’ll really say that someone will be in our plan,” he said.
Mason, 23, would be up to the challenge. He joined the University of Utah Utes late in the 2011 training camp and was playing a week later in their season opener. His arrival in Edmonton is likely spurred by the knee injury offensive tackle Branden Curry suffered on Aug. 2 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the prolonged absence of right tackle Cliff Louis, who is also injured.
Mason wasn’t the only fresh blood at practice. Esks general manager Ed Hervey also signed a pair of import wide receivers, Dominique Edison and Jamar Howard.
Grymes injured during practice
Rookie cornerback Aaron Grymes took a scary accidental hit in Tuesday’s practice.
Grymes ran into defensive teammate Donovan Alexander and stayed down on the turf for an extended period while he was assessed by the trainers and surrounded by concerned teammates. Grymes was helped off of the field by Louis and didn’t return.
Reed said there was no additional information on Grymes after practice. Joe Burnett, who took part in his first full practice in three weeks after injuring his hamstring, went to the opposite corner to replace Grymes and Chris Rwabukamba went back to Burnett’s spot, which he filled the past two games.
Bowman could be activated early
Eskimos slotback Adarius Bowman could come off the nine-game injured list a little early after going full out in practice this week.
Reed said if Bowman shows well this week, there would be serious consideration for activating him ahead of his expected return on Sept. 6.
“We would entertain that,” Reed said. “I can’t lie about it and try to be coy about it. Our football team needs Adarius Bowman. Not only because of his physical talents, but all of the intangibles he brings to this football team. It’s been a different energy having him in practice the last few days.”
CFL teams are allowed to remove one player from their nine-game injured list in each half of the season.