The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have placed star linebacker Adam Bighill on the six-game injured list ahead of their matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.
The 35-year-old went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Bombers’ Week 11 win over B.C. and did not practice this week. Through nine games this season, he has recorded 46 defensive tackles and one sack.
Bighill is one of the most successful defensive players in CFL history, earning six CFL all-star selections and three Most Outstanding Defensive Player Awards. He is credited with 937 defensive tackles, 71 special teams tackles, 50 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 14 forced fumbles in 189 career games.
Canadian Shayne Gauthier has been tapped as Bighill’s replacement at middle linebacker. The 32-year-old has recorded three defensive tackles this season, all of which came in last week’s game. In 70 career CFL games, he has amassed 52 defensive tackles and 64 special teams tackles with two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Elsewhere on defence, Winnipeg swapped out a couple of depth defensive pieces. American defensive tackle Devin Adams, who has four sacks this year, comes into the lineup and sends Canadian Tanner Schmekel to the practice roster. Global linebacker Fabian Weitz will also swap places with his counterpart Souleymane Karamoko. Fullback Bailey Feltmate will also dress.
The Winnipeg Blue Bomber (4-6) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-8) on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
