The Edmonton Eskimos have re-signed quarterback Thomas DeMarco, leading to speculation as to the health of starter Mike Reilly.
#Eskimos have signed QB Thomas DeMarco. Perhaps the injury to Mike Reilly is more serious that first thought. No update yet. #CFL
— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) November 16, 2016
DeMarco signed with Esks in April but was released July 10 without having appeared in a game. He spent two seasons with the B.C. Lions starting in 2012 before being selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the expansion draft and serving as Henry Burris’ back up for two years. He has 1,559 yards passing, 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for his career.
The addition of DeMarco is a strong indicator that the arm injury Reilly suffered in the East Semi-Final win over Hamilton may be more significant than the team has indicated. Reilly left the game in the fourth quarter after taking a hard shot to his non-throwing arm from Ticat linebacker Simoni Lawrence while running for a first down. He immediately left the game and did not return.
If Reilly can’t go, the starting job will fall to James Franklin, who threw two completions and four attempts for 19 yards in relief of Reilly last Sunday. The 25-year-old, considered one the CFL’s top quarterback prospects, started one game this season, a Week 20 win over Toronto in which completed 18-of-23 passes for 335 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
Reilly practiced on Wednesday buy head coach Jason Maas wasn’t exactly definitive when discussing his playing status.
When asked for a Reilly update Jason Maas said – “He practiced today. That’s all I will say”. pic.twitter.com/IGCSvKpi2P
— Morley Scott (@Morley_Scott) November 16, 2016
