The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have one of the best to ever do it back in the lineup when they take on the Edmonton Elks.
Left tackle Stanley Bryant will start this week after missing the past two games due to a medical incident in the first quarter of the team’s Week 12 game with Hamilton. The 38-year-old had to be stretchered off the field and taken to hospital, though his collapse was later attributed to a combination of heat and illness.
Bryant 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 153 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.
The legend’s return will bump Kendall Randolph into a backup role, while Micah Vanterpool has been returned to the practice roster.
Also returning from injury is weak-side linebacker Kyrie Wilson, who last played in Week 7 due to a knee injury. In seven games this year, the 31-year-old has posted 28 defensive tackles and a sack. Defensive back Marquise Bridges has been returned to the practice squad to accommodate the move.
In the receiving corps, Canadian Drew Wolitarsky (ribs) has been added to the six-game injured list and will be replaced by rookie Kevens Clercius. Keric Wheatfall, who had three catches for 111 yards through the first two games of the year, also returns to the starting lineup following the release of Josh Johnson.
Terry Wilson will back up Zach Collaros and recently signed quarterback Jake Dolegala will serve as the third-stringer following the season-ending injury to Chris Streveler. Rookie fullback Michael Chris-Ike will also suit up as backfield depth.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6) will visit the Edmonton Elks (5-8) on Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
