CFL News Through 19 July 2006

Although I see a lack of interest in the sport of Canadian Football from the contributors/readers of ACGM, I am going to continue on with keeping those who do care informed.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed three defensive players this week, to hopefully shore up their weak squad. The team signed non-import defensive tackle Marc Pilon and two import defensive backs Sam Young and Arnold Parker.

The 6-5, 278-pound Pilon is a huge gain for the linemen on both sides of the ball, with 107 CFL games of experience playing both offense and defense. He has played for the Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, British Columbia Lions, and the Ottawa Renegades.

Young was released by B.C. earlier in the week. He played for the Lions for the past two seasons. The 5-11, 185-pound DB started in 39 consecutive games and brings a total of 47 games of CFL experience to Hamilton.

Parker, 6-1, 211-pounds, played briefly for the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Ticats.

Pilon and Parker are expected to suit up for their Thursday night game with the Montreal Alouettes, while Young has been designated to the practice roster.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are heading into their game with the Edmontos Eskimos down at least two starting offensive linemen. This is something that QB Kevin Glenn is keenly aware of after getting his bell rung in last week's game against the Montreal Alouettes, having two defensive linemen filling the gaps.

Tackle Dan Goodspeed is likely done for the season after suffering a knee injury versus the Alouettes. The other tackle, Matt Sheridan is out four-to-six weeks due to a groin injury. Offensive lineman, Aaron Fiacconi is expected to start, but is also having knee problems.

The good news for Glenn and the Bombers is that Edmonton is currently tied for last, with Toronto, with four sacks this season. The Ecks will be looking to get out of the sack cellar, with the depleted Winnipeg line.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have lost the services of their #1 receiver, Jamel Richardson, after he broke bones in his foot on a tackle in the team's win over B.C. last week. Richardson is expected to miss anywhere from three months to the rest of the season. Head Coach, Danny Barrett, said that Richarson's injury doesn't require surgery.

As of today, there are two players vying for the position that Richardson held. The fast Kareem Kelly and the burly Sam Breeden. Kelly, 6-0, 190-pounds was the leading receiver for USC, prior to the 2003 draft where he was picked by the New Orleans Saints. He has experience with three NFL teams and an Arena Football team. Breeden is 6-4, 206-pounds out of Northwest Oklahoma State and has been on the Roughrider practice roster since September of 2005.

Edmonton Eskimos

Talks have broken down, yet again, with guard Kevin Lefsrud and team management. As of this time, it looks as if the two sides will not get an agreement settled before the end of the 2006 season. Lefsrud, 29, is back on the farm to make his living.

The team feels that their current offensive line can do the job. But they have to play the Bombers this week, who lead the league with 14 sacks.

The Ecks released defensive end Sherrod Coates this week after only four games. In that time, Coates had recorded three defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, and two knockdowns.

Linebacker A. J. Gass and slot back Derrell Mookie Mitchell are both doubtful for the game with hamstring injuries.

Toronto Argonauts

The Toronto Argonauts will have their #1 quarterback Damon Allen dressed for the game on Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But according to Head Coach Michael Clemons, it is unlikely that he will play. The 42-year-old Allen, brother of Marcus Allen, broke his middle finger on his throwing hand in the first game of the season, a win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Source

• www.cfl.ca

Date

Wed 07/19/06, 3:34 pm EST