One of the many expressions for a hard hit on the football field is “getting trucked.”

That term hits a little too close to home for Winnipeg offensive lineman Travis Bond, who is expected to start at left guard for the Bombers (1-3) when they take on the Eskimos (2-2) on Thursday night at Commonwealth Stadium.

Bond, you see, was driving his scooter across the University of North Carolina campus in 2012 when he collided head on with an SUV that veered into his lane. It was a relatively low speed collision, but there was just as much damage done to the vehicle as to Bond, who checks in at a whopping 6-foot-7 and 356 pounds.

“I was on my scooter, and some guy, I guess he was drinking and driving, he hit me in a head-on collision,” Bond said Monday. “Me and the scooter both went up in the air. I caught the scooter and myself, and I got the worst thing with a broken wrist. It sucks. And there was a big dent in the truck.”

While the vehicle sped away, Bond, who was wearing a helmet, got up, dusted himself off and continued on his way. His friends convinced him to go to the hospital after he told them the story. X-rays that night didn't reveal the broken wrist, but an MRI the next day did after he did 15 bench press reps and felt some pain.

Bond, who has a scar on his right wrist from the resulting surgery, will replace Jermarcus Hardrick at left guard, with the latter moving to right tackle to replace the injured Paddy Neufeld.

“I just want to go out there and show that I can play ball, help this team win some games and to open holes for (Andrew Harris),” Bond said.

The good news is Bond hasn't been hit by any trucks – or vice versa – since 2012.

“Not lately,” he said. “I try to stay away from scooters.”

FRIENDLY BATTLE

Bond won't be the only player making his Bomber and CFL debut on Thursday night; Terrence Frederick will line up at cornerback and could face his good friend, Eskimos receiver Derel Walker, on a few routes.

“I know D-Walk,” Frederick said. “We actually train together, so it's crazy that we're going to be able to play against each other. We trained together for probably the past two or three years, and I knew him when he was in the (NFL) a little bit in Tennessee.”

They also both played their college ball at Texas A&M, but not at the same time.

Frederick started three games for the New Orleans Saints in 2014, but major shoulder surgery following that season derailed his NFL career. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the seventh round of the 2012 draft.

NO EDGE HERE

The Eskimos are coming off a 37-31 loss to the Tiger-Cats in which they blew a 25 point lead in the second half.

Winnipeg head coach Mike O'Shea doesn't believe that will have an effect on the Edmonton defence's collective psyche one way or the other. The players won't be fired up to make amends, nor will they be vulnerable after Jeremiah Masoli lit them up to record the comeback victory.

“I don't think they're labelling it as blowing a 25 point lead,” O'Shea said. “They're looking at it series by series and play by play for what they could have done differently, and each guy on their roster is probably thinking of the one or two plays they wish they had back. That's the way they do it. I don't think players talk in headlines.”

NEXT UP

Winnipeg's search for a permanent defensive end will continue on Thursday night with the third candidate in five games.

Justin Cole will get the start opposite Jamaal Westerman as the Bombers try to send pressure from both ends of the defensive line. Cole will replace Adrian Hubbard, who replaced Shayon Green.

“I'm right back to where I started in the beginning of camp, so it's good,” Cole said Monday. “I'm excited and ready to get out there and help my team.”

Cole, who had two sacks in four games last season, has been injured since the first week of training camp. He's not concerned that the Bombers have been changing defensive ends this season with the frequency most people change their underwear.

“You can't worry about that. They're always looking to replace you,” Cole said. “There's always someone younger and cheaper. So I don't really worry about that.

“I want to prove to myself and a lot of people that may have their doubts about what exactly I can bring and what exactly I can do. And overall, help the team just get a win. That's the most important thing.”

LATE HITS

Tempers flared a couple times during Monday's practice. Thomas Mayo and Kevin Fogg did some pushing and shoving after Mayo made a catch and went out of bounds, while defensive end Sam Scott had to held back from going after someone during the post-practice meeting in the middle of the field ... Right guard Sukh Chungh, kick returner Quincy McDuffie and backup linebacker Garrett Waggoner didn't practise on Monday, but all are expected to play against the Esks ... Strong side linebacker Moe Leggett, receiver Jace Davis and right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick returned to practice on Monday after watching on Sunday.

kpenton@postmedia.com

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