Update from Ticats practice: no Fantuz or Simoni

It was cold and windy as the Ticats started their final week of practice for the 2017 season. That’s kind of weird to think about.

A couple of notable absences on Monday in linebacker Simoni Lawrence and Canadian receiver Andy Fantuz. Fantuz hasn’t played in a couple of weeks but has been practicing while Lawrence was dinged up in the loss to Ottawa. Kavell Conner was in his spot on the first team defence.

Head coach June Jones said Lawrence could still play in Friday’s season-finale against Montreal but it doesn’t sound like Fantuz will suit up as he continues to recover from a knee injury he suffered last season.

“He wasn’t 100 per cent when he tried to fight through and we just had the conversation that we would take it slow,” Jones said. “He’s helping us coach right now.”

Fantuz returned Sept. 30 and played in three games as the team continued to make its desperate, and ultimately futile, push for a post-season berth. He made six catches for 55 yards.

“He’s tried really hard to get back,” Jones said. “I think he was being a true pro, trying to suck it up and help.”

Canadian linebackers Terrell Davis and Nick Shortill also missed Monday’s session after going down against Ottawa. Davis hurt his hamstring but is still a possibility against Montreal while Shortill suffered a cut on his foot that required 11 stitches and won’t be available.

Both are excellent special teams players and their departure during the Ottawa game was likely a factor in the Ticats’ struggles on kick coverage.

“They were but we just didn’t do what we were supposed to do,” Jones said.

Long Aaron Crawford also sat out but is expected to be available on Friday.