Cam Lawson’s addition to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ six-game injured list represents the minimum duration he’ll be out.
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Lawson, who has played in 33 games over the past two seasons as a backup to veteran Jake Thomas, sustained a significant injury against Saskatchewan on Monday, head coach Mike O’Shea said Wednesday.
“It’s going to be a little longer, I’d imagine,” O’Shea remarked. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the full year or not, but he’s definitely going to need the full six. Probably more than that.”
In 2023, Lawson recorded eight defensive tackles and five sacks.
His absence increases competition on a defensive line that typically rotates six to eight players, with Willie Jefferson being the only constant.
Lawson was one of eight returnees, including Jefferson, Thomas, Anthony Bennett, Celestin Haba, Tanner Schmekel, Miles Fox, and TyJuan Garbutt, who was present but not practicing on Wednesday.
Winnipeg is currently searching for Jackson Jeffcoat’s replacement at defensive end, with Haba emerging as the frontrunner. Haba took first-team reps again on Wednesday, while newcomers Ali Fayad and Chauncey Rivers, along with 2024 draft pick Owen Hubert, are also vying for the position.
Fox, who started Monday’s game at Mosaic Stadium and impressed, was quickly picked up by the Bombers last season after being released by the B.C. Lions.
“It’s very easy to see if you’re sitting in the stands, how quick he is for such a wide-body,” O’Shea said of the 6-foot-1, 297-pound Fox. “He’s very fleet of foot. He gets through spaces with the quickness and the brawn at the same time. It’s pretty neat to watch.”
The Bombers are aiming to improve on the 53 sacks they recorded in 2023, a significant increase from the 17 they had the previous year.
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CASTILLO BACK SOON
Adding kicker Sergio Castillo to the team’s suspended list on Wednesday raised some eyebrows. However, the club clarified he is on leave to attend to a family matter.
O’Shea was unsure of Castillo’s exact return date but suggested it would be around Saturday or Sunday.
“Not too worried about that,” O’Shea said. “Just needs some time, that’s all.”
The suspended list can be used to free up a roster spot, which appears to be the case with Castillo.
Veteran safety Brandon Alexander was seen stretching on the field Wednesday. Although he has yet to participate in training camp as it enters its second week, his presence is a positive sign. The Bombers re-signed Alexander to a one-year extension in February.
Several other key players, including Brady Oliveira, Nic Demski, and Kenny Lawler, were also not participating.
