It appears Stanley Bryant could be in the starting lineup for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when they visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the annual Labour Day Classic.
“I’m pretty sure he’ll back back,” head coach Mike O’Shea told the media on Tuesday.
The veteran left tackle took a knee early during the team’s 26-23 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and received attention from medical staff. A stretcher was eventually called and he was taken to hospital with a towel over his face and an IV in his arm. Winnipeg’s bench emptied to see him off and he received a standing ovation from the home crowd.
O’Shea later indicated that Bryant’s health scare was caused by a combination of heat and an illness, which Bryant was battling throughout the week. It was 24 degrees at Princess Auto Stadium for kickoff, though the 62 percent humidity meant it felt closer to 31 degrees. Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the area on Friday.
The 38-year-old was stable and alert when he arrived at the hospital and was released the following morning. The team released a statement on his behalf indicating that he was feeling considerably better and appreciated the concern and compassion of CFL fans.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-6) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1) on Sunday, Sept. 1 for the annual Labour Day Classic.