Five things to watch for as Esks tackle pre-season
As the Edmonton Eskimos open their CFL pre-season in the boreal climes of Fort McMurray, here are five things to watch when they go up against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Chris O’Leary writes
Veterans will sit
Eskimos head coach Chris Jones said on Thursday that he’d likely sit his veteran players or anyone who was injured in any way. This will mean little to no playing time for star quarterback Mike Reilly, slotback Adarius Bowman or defensive end Odell Willis. Expect to see lots of Jordan Lynch, James Franklin and Justin Goltz at quarterback.
Battle at running back
With John White out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the search is on for a new man to lead the team’s run game. Rookie Shakir Bell and veteran Chad Simpson are leading that charge right now. Bell has looked strong in training camp, while Simpson has been on the job for only five days. A big game for either would go a long way.
Rookies on the O-line
David Groulx, the Eskimos’ first-round draft pick, is in the conversation of being the starting right guard in two weeks’ time against the Toronto Argonauts. The team’s second-round pick, David Beard, is trying to do the same at left guard. Both players will be tested against a tough Roughriders D-line.
Young linebackers
You won’t find Shane Horton on the depth chart. The Eskimos released him on Friday, along with offensive lineman Tyson Pencer and wide receiver Marcus Rucker, citing the talented young guys they have at linebacker. Everyone know what J.C. Sherritt can do when he’s healthy, but Deon Lacey, Wyoming-based rookie Korey Jones and seventh-round pick Blair Smith are all doing good things in camp.
Howard back in the mix
The Eskimos’ leader in quarterback sacks in 2011 and ’13, Howard missed most of last year when he broke the same thumb twice. The 29-year-old is hungry to reassert his dominance on the D-line and the Riders could pay the price for it on Saturday.