The Winnipeg Blue Bombers aren’t counting out Dalton Schoen or Adam Bighill from playing in the Grey Cup, though neither player took part in practice on Tuesday.
“Dalton Schoen is continuing to rehab and work every single day and Biggie is starting that process,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “If you’re in our room on a daily basis, I say the same thing every day: I’ll never rule a guy out. You’ve gotta give him hope and why would I dash that? They’re two pros, they attack every single day the same. Whether it leads to them playing or not, we’ll see.”
Bighill suffered an undisclosed injury during the West Final and didn’t return to the game. He was replaced by Malik Clements and Brian Cole and the club’s defence didn’t skip a beat, generating nine sacks and five takeaways during a 24-13 win over the B.C. Lions.
“Guys like Malik and Cole stepping in and flying around and making plays have given us confidence going into this week knowing that guys are very much capable of stepping in there and doing a good job,” said running back Brady Oliveira. “Obviously, having Biggie out could hurt us, but I think having Malik and Cole on our side, we’ll be just fine.”
The future Hall of Fame linebacker was reportedly wearing a boot when the team arrived in Hamilton on Monday, though he didn’t have it on during practice on Tuesday.
Schoen also no longer has a boot on, though he’s missed the club’s last three games with an ankle injury. The two-time CFL all-star made 72 catches for 1,233 yards and 10 touchdowns over 16 games this season before leaving the lineup due to injury.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Alouettes will meet in the 110th Grey Cup on Sunday, Nov. 19 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. EST.
