I'm not sure what to think of the Ticats this year. This should, in theory, be our toughest test so far. Going east, facing a good team on the road, and so on and so on.

Really hoping to get Matthews or Bighill or both back, but don't want them rushed.

DROP THE HAMMER ON THE HAMMER

Just now, Noeller said:

Matthews is the game day scratch likely...?

One of the receivers for sure, probably Matthews or Lawler.

Can't see Bombers using Jones as dimeback and only having the two rookie kick chasers as backups for the secondary along with Wright who just got here.  Hamilton is a heavy passing team, about 65/35 pass run even with Thomas Erlington.  Likely more without him.

I suspect we will see a lot of downs where the Bombers have the dime in and only 5 guys between DL/WIL/MLB until they get a feel for how Hamilton has game planned offensively (basically how much are they using Kalinic and a back vs Jones/Coombs and a back).

2 minutes ago, JuranBoldenRules said:

One of the receivers for sure, probably Matthews or Lawler.

Can't see Bombers using Jones as dimeback and only having the two rookie kick chasers as backups for the secondary along with Wright who just got here.  Hamilton is a heavy passing team, about 65/35 pass run even with Thomas Erlington.  Likely more without him.

I suspect we will see a lot of downs where the Bombers have the dime in and only 5 guys between DL/WIL/MLB until they get a feel for how Hamilton has game planned offensively (basically how much are they using Kalinic and a back vs Jones/Coombs and a back).

Well backed opinion.  I just hope they don't take out Lawler.

Just now, BBlink said:

Well backed opinion.  I just hope they don't take out Lawler.

Other piece is we want our special teams guys fresh because Hamilton is dangerous on returns.  I don't want Hallett or Exume trying to figure out how to play DB in the CFL and then covering a punt two minutes later.

No chance Lawler comes out...

2 minutes ago, Noeller said:

No chance Lawler comes out...

Not at this particular point

1 hour ago, Floyd said:

 

Do like the idea of sitting Hume though - doubt it happens

 

Having an extra db helps the team a lot more than dressing a 2nd backup American receiver.

Quote

The Bombers are making just one change to their 46-man roster this week, with WR Chris Matthews being moved from the one-game injured list to the active roster and LB Dale Warren heading to the practice squad.

Matthews has been working with the second offence all week, FYI, with Kenny Lawler remaining as the starter. This move doesn’t guarantee he’ll be in the lineup, as he could also be the one inactive player by kickoff. Adam Bighill is listed as the starting middle linebacker and has practised all week and is expected to return to active duty.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2019/07/25/game-preview-wpg-ham-3/

 

FWIW

 

Matthews not with the team. 

 

EDIT: I'm one minute too late with my breaking news. 

Edited July 25, 20196 yr by JCon

If he didn't make the trip why even put him on the active roster???

Just now, Bubba Zanetti said:

If he didn't make the trip why even put him on the active roster???

Just taking a stab in the dark here but maybe because they didn't want to one-game him again? 

For the player, does it matter if you're one-gamed or on the active roster (but sit)? 

active roster also gets him a game cheque, right?

IR does as well...thats why teams stash guys there

Prob on the roster though in case something happens between today and Gametime..illness..injury...you can pull him on...

1 minute ago, Booch said:

IR does as well...thats why teams stash guys there

Prob on the roster though in case something happens between today and Gametime..illness..injury...you can pull him on... 

Yes, but sometimes I wonder if it is also something in the individual player's contract language.  Perhaps a bonus for being on the active roster a minimum number of games?

that probably too

But why wouldn't Matthews travel with the team? He needs to get to So Ontario anyhow for practice next week, why not just have him travel with the team? 

10 minutes ago, MC said:

Yes, but sometimes I wonder if it is also something in the individual player's contract language.  Perhaps a bonus for being on the active roster a minimum number of games?

In that case team is doing him a solid, cause he sure hasn't earned it.

1 minute ago, Bubba Zanetti said:

In that case team is doing him a solid, cause he sure hasn't earned it.

Could also be a case of not wanting to piss a player off nitpicking them of $$ in their contract.  Matthews isn't hurt ATM and the Bombers don't want to release him so putting him in IR if it costs Matthews $$ would leave a bad taste in his mouth... do that enough and you end up with a bunch of individuals playing instead of a team.

4 minutes ago, Bubba Zanetti said:

In that case team is doing him a solid, cause he sure hasn't earned it.

with that logic what has Biggie earned??...not much either

Biggie isn't throwing punches in clubs either

which has noting to do with anything really...

It doesn't? Your comparing a guy who put up an MVP defensive season last year for us to a guy who has been hurt twice and in a club brawl??

1 minute ago, Bubba Zanetti said:

It doesn't? Your comparing a guy who put up an MVP defensive season last year for us to a guy who has been hurt twice and in a club brawl??

Ok but matthews was a key contributor to the grey cup champions last year... he has been hurt this year, not really any different than what happened to bighill. 

The bar room brawl doesn't appear to be a big issue for the coaches so it shouldn't be a big issue for us either.

10 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Ok but matthews was a key contributor to the grey cup champions last year... he has been hurt this year, not really any different than what happened to bighill. 

The bar room brawl doesn't appear to be a big issue for the coaches so it shouldn't be a big issue for us either.

Really? I would think the brawl was a huge issue for the team. Best start in nearly 60 years, im sure the team wants ZERO distractions and bull**** going on. Not great publicity for a team trying to attract fans. What if Matthews' punch lands just right, the guy smashes his head on the floor and dies? Its happened, just saying. Youre a professional athlete. Make better decisions.

Edited July 25, 20196 yr by Bubba Zanetti

Yeah, fwiw, I'm inclined to agree that just because they're not making a public stink about it, doesn't mean the coaches aren't upset. I'd bet there was some serious paint-stripping going on this past Monday..