Jeffcoat could provide big boost

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/10/2018 (2707 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defence has been playing its best football over the last month and could receive an added boost to the lineup as early as this week.

The Bombers returned to practice Monday after serving the final of three bye weeks this season, and among them was Jackson Jeffcoat. The defensive end has missed the past five games with an upper-body injury and remains a game-time decision ahead of Friday’s home tilt against the Calgary Stampeders.

“I’m excited. I feel good, I feel ready to go,” Jeffcoat said. “I feel good running around — it’s good to be back out here with teammates.”

Just the fact Jeffcoat is back on the field is certainly a good sign for the Blue and Gold, who could use his 6-3, 251-pound frame to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In 10 games this season, Jeffcoat has five sacks and two forced fumbles. Last season, Jeffcoat registered seven sacks, had one interception and forced one fumble in 16 games.

Jeffcoat is in the final year of his two-year rookie deal and some have suggested the 27-year-old native of Dallas might try his shot at the NFL next season.

“It’s always frustrating with injuries, so I had to find the positives in it, figure out ways that I could get mental reps, figure out ways I could stay focused, stay involved and whenever it was time, whenever my body felt good, to jump back in and play,” he said. “It’s been tough, it hasn’t been fun. I don’t get into end of contract years and all that. That stuff will handle itself, so I just got to go out and play.”

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea offered few hints as to whether Jeffcoat would suit up against the Stampeders.

“I hope so,” O’Shea said. “We still have to wait and see, he’s been off for a bit.”

The Bombers (9-7) can clinch a playoff berth with a win. Winnipeg’s defence has allowed just four touchdowns in its last five games, including three games without giving up a score.

LEGGETT CARTED OFF: Maurice Leggett was carted off the field during Monday’s practice with what appeared to be a lower-body injury.

The defensive back/linebacker was covering receiver Darvin Adams as part of a 12-on-12 drill. Once Adams reeled in the ball, which was a pass about 40 yards downfield, Leggett fell to the ground and looked to be in considerable pain.

He slammed his hands on the ground and was wincing in pain before requiring help to move to the sidelines. After spending moments on the bench with Bombers head athletic therapist Al Couture, Leggett was carted into the dressing room.

It was the first practice in weeks for Leggett, who hadn’t suited up in a game since Week 11, when he registered five tackles in a 39-26 loss to the Stampeders on Aug. 25. In nine games this season, Leggett has 33 tackles and a sack.

O’Shea was unable to provide an update after practice, but Leggett is not expected to play Friday night.

GRAY IN BLUE AND GOLD: after signing a deal last week that will see him in Bombers colours through the 2020 season, Geoff Gray got his first taste of CFL football Monday.

Gray, a Winnipegger and former offensive lineman with the Manitoba Bisons who was drafted by the Bombers in the first round in 2017, has spent much of the last two years trying to earn a spot in the NFL.

But after brief stints with the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, Gray was one of dozens smashing bodies at Investors Group Field Monday.

“It was good to get back into it,” said Gray, who stands 6-6 and weighs 310 pounds.

“I feel good physically and the rust is coming off pretty quick, so it’s just good to get back going. It just kind of feels natural.”

Gray is familiar with IGF, having shared a field with the Bombers as a member of the Bisons for four years. But he admitted playing for his hometown team as a pro will have a special feeling to it.

“It’s good to be back, be playing in front of friends and family and all that. My parents are super pumped to come watch the game.”

Gray is expected to be on the 46-man roster for Friday’s game, but it’s unclear if he will see any playing time.

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @jeffkhamilton