Mike O’Shea understands why Andrew Harris is ‘going through frustration’ being held off the field at Bombers training camp

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea understands his star running back Andrew Harris.

O’Shea wants to protect Harris from himself it seems during training camp. The 34-year-old Winnipeg native left the field swearing on Saturday morning in the Manitoba capital while tearing the tape off his wrists.

“Well, I mean that’s the process he’s going through. He’s going to go through a bit of frustration, I know he wants to be out there and I know we’re not letting him go full go yet. So when he finally gets to play, he’ll be less frustrated I’m sure,” O’Shea said.

The reigning Grey Cup MVP left practice on July 12 and did not return. O’Shea initially told the media that Harris had an appointment to go to, although he admitted the following day that he would “take it easy for the next couple weeks.”

And the Grey Cup-winning bench boss has stuck to his plan. Harris has been jogging around during warm-ups and left the field limping on Day 15 of camp, according to Darrin Bauming from Bonfire Sports. 

Unfortunate development at Day 15 of Bombers camp. Andrew Harris, taking part and catching balls during walkthrough portion of early practice, suddenly pulls up limping and displaying frustration. Went over to sidelines, now watching on.

Harris has not missed a game due to injury over the past three seasons despite a heavy workload in Winnipeg. However, the Bombers primary ball carrier was suspended for two games in 2019 after testing positive for a trace amount of a performance-enhancing substance.