The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have lost defensive lineman Zach Anderson for the rest of the season to a torn knee ligament.

Anderson tore his ACL while practising Wednesday, leaving the team facility on crutches.

Players feared the worst, and the Bombers confirmed the news this morning.

“You feel terrible for the guy,” head coach Mike O’Shea said after practice Thursday. “Zach’s an important guy to have around. Football’s a big part of his life, and to have it taken away for a little bit of time is tough on him.”

Anderson is third on the team with four quarterback sacks, adding another 21 tackles.

He was running a drill against his younger brother, offensive lineman Chad Anderson, when he went down.

Anderson will likely go on the six-game injured list.

ACL tears typically keep players out at least six months.

The Bombers’ defensive line is also without Jason Vega and Kashawn Fraser for Saturday’s critical game in B.C.

The Lions are fourth in the West at 6-4, Winnipeg is 6-5.

O’Shea said recent practice roster additions Marvin Booker and Willie Moseley, both import defensive linemen, will be on the roster this weekend.

In other injury news, punter Mike Renaud has resumed full workouts after a hamstring injury that’s kept him out since mid-July.

He won’t play in Vancouver, but O’Shea noted his experience could help the Bombers as the weather worsens.

In other news, centre Steve Morley has been fined by the CFL for punching a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders late in Sunday’s Banjo Bowl.

Morley was ejected on the play.

Rider Paul Woldu was also fined for contacting an official in the same game.

PAYING TRIBUTE

On the 13th anniversary of 9/11, O’Shea wore a ball cap paying tribute to New York firefighters at practice, drawing some love from his players on social media.

“It’s the right thing to do,” the coach said.

He received the cap from a pair of firefighters while on vacation.

paul.friesen@sunmedia.ca