gbill2004

Pretty sure Goossen will start the season as 6th OL.

On Gary Etcheverry?

O'Shea speaking very highly of Patrick Neufeld. Says he was the most physical OL vs Calgary. Sounds like he's a lock to start. O'Shea saying the trade to get Neufeld looks very good now. The next 3 practices will be used to evaluate who wins the backup QB job. Will focus on decision making.

LENNOXVILLE – Of the eight players released by the Alouettes on Sunday, two jumped out – quarterback Collin Klein, a former Heisman Trophy finalist, and non-import running-back Jerome Messaa Montrealgazette.com was the first to report, via Twitter (@HerbZurkowsky1), the Als were trying to trade Messam – and that he would be released should Montreal not find any willing dance partners. Predictably, there were none. As recently as 2011, Messam was the outstanding Canadian in the CFL. He also was the Als’ leading rusher last season, gaining 565 yards on 121 carries. So why does he suddenly find himself unemployed? When the Als acquired him in a trade from Edmonton, Brandon Whitaker was coming off a serious knee injury and was a potential free agent. He recovered and re-signed with Montreal. And Tyrell Sutton wasn’t yet in the Als’ picture. The landscape has changed considerably over the course of a year. Messam was being used as a blocking fullback or tight-end. With a salary believed to be at least $80,000 annually, he proved too rich for the Als’ blood. “We’re in a totally different situation than a year ago,” Popp explained following Monday’s training camp workout at Bishop’s University. “I know Jerome wants to be a tailback. He could be with another team.” Messam doesn’t figure to be unemployed long. He might be headed to Winnipeg, where the Blue Bombers are potentially kicking the tires following an injury over the weekend to Paris Cotton. Also, Saskatchewan head coach Corey Chamblin has said Messam could be an option for the Roughriders. His departure likely means Steven Lumbala, one of the Als’ two first-round draft choices in 2013, will see his playing time increased. “Every player wants to be put in a situation where they feel like the coaching staff has trust in them,” Lumbala said. “This is a good situation for me to be in. “I’ll do the best I can and fulfill my responsibilities.” Notes – Quarterback Troy Smith has recovered from a knee injury and participated in practice on Monday. Smith, who expects to be the Als’ starter this season, hopes to play in Friday’s final exhibition game, against the expansion Ottawa RedBlacks, at Molson Stadium. … Also returning to practice was former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, who twisted his ankle last Thursday and didn’t play at Hamilton on Saturday. … Linebacker Kyries Hebert, who suffered a concussion more than a week ago in the team’s mock-game, was on the field Monday. He participated in some drills, although he still isn’t allowed to practice with the defence. … The Als suspect injured offensive-lineman Pascal Baillargeon suffered a torn ligament in his right knee on Saturday. He was on crutches following the game and has been placed on the six-game injured list, along with linebacker Bear Woods. … Jerry Rice Jr., whose father played receiver in the NFL with San Francisco, was at practice on Monday and received a tryout following the team’s workout. As of Monday night, Popp hadn’t determined his status yet. Popp must wait to receive medical reports on injured players before making a decision on the young receiver. At this point of camp, a player can’t be added to the roster without another player being deleted or injured.

I asked O'Shea about Jesse Briggs. O'Shea says he should be back at practice next week and is looking forward to him contributing on special teams and eventually as a starter. Says Briggs now has an opportunity with Newman out for the season. I also asked O'Shea about the run defense. Says he's not concerned at all.

There was only 2 practices between both games.

Taman loves veterans.

Like four posts ago, you were Thunder and Lightning 2.0, get 'er done! That was me being sarcastic.

So does this mean Grigsby cut and Ford to the 6 game IR?

Maybe if Willy, Brohm, Hall, Marve, Goltz, and Boltus are all injured...maybe.

Pretty sure it's one padded practice per week.

He's a known name, but just isn't very good. I'm fine with passing.

Winnipeg media do zero preparation for these conferences. My bet is they just show up and think of questions on the spot...whatever comes to their mind.

@Quick6PC: Looking for a nice place near Investors Group Field up here in Winnipeg. Any info on listings email or message me here #GoBombers

No mention of Paris Cotton and Nick Moore in the RB and WR Previews???

Thunder & Lighting version 2.0 = Messam & Cotton! Get er done Walters!

I was hoping his brother Mario from Saved by the Bell would come with him.

Is Lopez any good?

While not great at it, Fitzgerald can also long-snap.

You can't get by with 6 OL for the season. We need 8 or 10 to cover for injuries... That's 6 Canadian OL to fill 3 starting spots. Not 6 OL total.

Dan West is not a starting calibre CFL football player.

That sucks but what I expected.

Messam would make it much easier to keep Maher on the roster.

Craig Woloshyn is a Canadian. Any interest?

@TorontoArgos: The #Argos have released WR Robert Gill LB Trashaun Nixon WR Andre Snipes-Booker DL Kiante Tripp DB Donald Washington OL Craig Woloshyn #CFL