It appears the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have two-time CFL all-star defensive back Deatrick Nichols back in the lineup this week, though receiver Dalton Schoen will be moved to the six-game injured list.
Nichols suffered a shoulder injury partway through Winnipeg’s loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on June 13 and was replaced at boundary halfback by rookie Marquise Bridges against the B.C. Lions this past week. The five-foot-nine, 180-pound defender appears to be ready to return to the starting lineup for Week 4 as he was a full participant in practice on Monday.
The native of Miami, Fla. has made 128 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, four interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble over 49 career games since joining the Blue Bombers as a free agent in 2021.
Schoen missed practice last week due to a hip injury but started against the Lions, recording five catches for 54 yards. He left the game in the second half due to a non-contact injury to his knee and didn’t return.
“It’s going to be a while (before he’s healthy again),” Mike O’Shea told reporters on Monday. “He’ll be on the six-game (injured list) and we’ll see after that.”
The 27-year-old native of Overland Park, Kan. has made 155 catches for 2,822 yards and 26 touchdowns over 37 career CFL games, earning league all-star status in 2022 and 2023.
Rookie receiver Keric Wheatfall (knee), linebacker Bailey Feltmate (hip), and defensive back Brandon Alexander (knee) were also non-participants in practice on Monday.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-3) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (1-1) on Saturday, June 29 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
