The Winnipeg Blue Bombers aren’t only suffering losses on the field but also from the starting lineup as injuries have started to pile up.
Dalton Schoen (hip) and Deatrick Nichols (shoulder) both missed practice on Monday and their status for Friday night’s game against the B.C. Lions remains unclear.
Schoen was targeted nine times against the Ottawa Redblacks this past week, the most of any Winnipeg receiver, but made only four catches for 43 yards in a 23-19 loss. The 27-year-old was targeted for a potential go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the game, though the ball was knocked away by veteran defensive back Damon Webb.
The native of Overland Park, Kan. has been named a CFL all-star the past two seasons, making 141 catches for 2,663 yards and 26 touchdowns. Winnipeg made him the league’s third-highest-paid receiver this past off-season after his rookie contract expired following last year.
Nichols, a two-time CFL all-star at halfback, has recorded two tackles this season but didn’t finish the game in Ottawa after being shaken up following a big hit. The five-foot-nine, 180-pound native of Miami, Fla. has made 128 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, four interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble over 49 career CFL games.
Star running back Brady Oliveira also didn’t participate in practice on Monday after missing last week’s game due to a knee injury. Six-year veteran Johnny Augustine made his fourth career start in his place and carried the ball seven times for 31 yards and one touchdown. He also caught two passes for 27 yards.
The Blue Bombers suffered two other injuries against the Redblacks this past week, losing starting defensive linemen Miles Fox and Celestin Haba. Both players have since been placed on the six-game injured list.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-2) will host the B.C. Lions (1-1) on Friday, June 21 with kickoff slated for 8:30 p.m. EDT.
