With Thursday being a travel day, the Eskimos concluded their practice week on Wednesday in preparation for their Friday night rematch against the Redblacks in the Nation’s capital.

Here are some news and notes circulating around the Eskimos practice this week.

Injuries

Greg Wojt was injured against Ottawa early in the second quarter. Eskimo statement confirmed a concussion. Wojt didn’t practice this week and was put on the injured reserve list when the stating game roster was released. Coach Jones confirmed Wojt will be a week-to-week decision.

Running back Chad Simpson was banged up against Ottawa and was eventually replaced by Kendall Lawrence. Simpson didn’t practice much during the week and is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Adarius Bowman left practice early on Tuesday after tweaking an ankle. He addressed the media, saying “It’s bumps and bruises and getting older.” Bowman just had a birthday and has been 30 for five days. Ah, to be young again. He jokingly asked the media circle for ice. Bowman’s a gamer; he’ll play and play well.

Game Preparation

Playing the same team twice in a week presents different challenges for each game. Coach Jones mentioned the Eskimos had “a couple of different plans” in place but will add “a few wrinkles to what they want to do in all three phases” for Friday’s game.

The Eskimos practiced with loudspeakers during the week to get used to the intimate and noisy TD Place Stadium in Ottawa. Coach Chris Jones said, “It’s electric. They’re excited about their football team and they’re loud for 25 or 30 thousand people but it seems like there’s more than that because they are so loud.”

Roster Moves

Two International defensive backs signed: Kacy Rodgers and Jeremy Williams were added to the practice roster. When asked about the signings, Head coach Chris Jones said it was “more for depth purposes”. Coach Jones is known for running intense practices, so if an injury occurs, they need a player who can step in and contribute without any disruption.

The Eskimos made a couple of moves to address their depth on the O-line. They parted ways with International Linebacker Keith Reynolds then signed former Eskimo Offensive Lineman Brian Ramsay. The combination of Wojt’s concussion and Groulx’s inexperience at the CFL level prompted all of this.

Shakir Bell has taken off the practice roster and moved to the active roster. Chad Simpson will be moved to the one game injured list. Bell should be on the game roster when it is released tomorrow.

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