Healthy Nichols propels Bombers

WINNIPEG Matt Nichols’ wallet is going to be a lot lighter this week.

After the quarterback guided the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-2) to a convincing 41-19 victory over the B.C. Lions (1-2) in his season debut on Saturday, Nichols said he’s planning to show his appreciation to the offensive line.

“They did an unbelievable job tonight and I’ll make sure that they’re taken care of and well-rewarded for games like that,” Nichols said.

“They have a deal when we win with no sacks that they get a nice steak dinner so we’ll figure that out and maybe sweeten the pot with something on top of top of that, too, ‘cause you don’t get many games like that.”

Nichols, who injured his right knee during a practice at training camp last month, didn’t get sacked once as he completed 16-of-29 pass attempts for 162 yards with one touchdown toss to Darvin Adams and no interceptions.

Bombers running back Andrew Harris also benefited from the offensive line, rushing 12 times for 109 yards with a four-yard touchdown.

B.C.’s Jonathon Jennings was 15-for-24 for 105 yards with two interceptions, both to former Lions middle linebacker Adam Bighill, who ran the second pick 54 yards for a touchdown.

Argos win

TORONTO The Toronto Argonauts are off to a good start without their starting quarterback.

James Franklin passed for one touchdown and rushed for another in his Argos starting debut as Toronto beat the Edmonton Eskimos 2017 on Saturday at BMO Field. The Argos (1-2) were playing their first game this season without regular starter Ricky Ray, who was carted off with what is believed to be a seasonending neck injury in their last contest. Franklin finished the game 16-for-22 for 217 yards passing.

The Eskimos (2-2) lost despite a productive game from quarterback Mike Reilly, who was 28-for-40 for 370 yards and one touchdown.