‘Stove is a Different Animal’: Blue Bombers Recover 3 Players from Tilt Injury with BC Lions – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

Nearly two weeks after their last game, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defense and special teams will look very different when they face the BC Lions on Friday after their bye week.

The Bombers released their active roster Thursday and it included returner Janarion Grant, along with linebacker Kyrie Wilson and defensive tackle Steven Richardson.

The Bombers’ lackluster return game could certainly use Grant’s momentum after he returned three punts for touchdowns as a rookie in 2019. Grant comes off the six-game disabled list after injuring his ankle in the season opener. .

The stingy defense of the blue and gold has given up the fewest points in the CFL this season, but has not defended the run very well in its first seven games.

Richardson could make a big difference in the trenches against the Leos, as the Bombers are currently last in the CFL against the race. They’ve given up an average of 5.7 yards per carry, so recalling a run-stop specialist like the man they call “Stove” is exactly what the doctor ordered.

“It makes it easier for us to pass,” defensive end Willie Jefferson said. “Having Steve back in the lineup, starting at the front line, it will be more difficult for teams to run the ball towards us in the middle.”

Richardson has missed the last six games with a partially torn plantar fascia in his foot.

“The stove is a different animal,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “I know you are very excited to be back.

“He builds up a lot of muscle in that frame and is able to use it extremely well. It’s very powerful, very explosive. “

Wilson will make his debut for the season after missing the first seven games of the season with a hip flexor injury. He made a big impact on the team’s 2019 Gray Cup career, but hasn’t played a game in about 22 months.

The Bombers are making four lineup changes in total with Mexico’s defensive back Sergio Schiaffino Perez set to make his CFL debut after working hard on the practice roster for a season and a half.

This week, returner Charles Nelson, linebacker Kevin Brown, defensive tackle Ricky Walker and linebacker Les Maruo leave the lineup.

The Bombers and Lions begin at 9:00 pm on Friday night.

8:18RAW: Blue Bombers Interview with Mike O’Shea – September 27