Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ left tackle Stanley Bryant will miss his first game due to injury or illness when his team visits the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the Labour Day Classic.
Bryant had to be stretchered off the field early in last week’s win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and was taken to hospital in apparent medical distress from a combination of heat and illness. He was discharged the following day but has been unable to practice this week, earning a spot on the six-game injured list.
The 38-year-old is arguably the greatest offensive lineman in CFL history, having won a record four Most Outstanding Offensive Linemen awards. He’s also ultra-durable, starting 148 of a possible 151 career games since joining the Blue Bombers as a free agent in 2015. He was a healthy scratch for the three games he missed, all of which came late in the season after Winnipeg had clinched first place in the West Division.
American Kendall Randolph, who started last week at right guard, will move over to left tackle for this game, while Tui Eli slots into the interior. With rookie backup Gabe Wallace (knee) expected to be out long-term on the six-game injured list, American Micah Vanterpool will dress as the sixth man.
It isn’t all bad news for Winnipeg, however, as all-star linebacker Adam Bighill will make an early return to the starting lineup after spending just one week on the six-game. In nine games this year, the 35-year-old has recorded 46 tackles and a sack — bringing his career total to 937 defensive tackles.
Also returning is veteran Canadian receiver Drew Wolitarsky, who knocks rookie Kevens Clercius out of the starting lineup. In eight games this year, he has snagged 26 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown.
In other roster moves, rookie American defensive tackle Devin Adams, who has four sacks this year, has been demoted to the practice roster in favour of Canadian Tanner Schmekel. Fullback Bailey Feltmate (ankle) has also been placed on the six-game injured list.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-6) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1) for the Labour Day Classic on Sunday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
