The Winnipeg Blue Bombers could be getting a big boost to their return game this week when they take on the B.C. Lions.
Janarion Grant returned to practice with the team on Tuesday, signalling that he might be available for this weekend’s big game. He has missed Winnipeg’s last 10 contests due to an ankle injury as he hasn’t suited up since July 7 when he faced the Calgary Stampeders.
“I’m back 100 percent, so I’m ready to roll,” Grant told the media in Winnipeg. “I’ve been out for too long, so it’s time to get the ball rolling, get going. First game coming up, so I’m pretty excited.”
Grant has the second-highest punt return average in the league at 14.0 yards and recorded what was widely considered one of the best punt return touchdowns in CFL history against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 16. His kickoff return average of 24.9 yards is also ranked second in the CFL among returners with at least 10 attempts.
Winnipeg has struggled in the return game since Grant went down as Greg McCrae and Jamal Parker have averaged punt returns of 8.8 yards and 8.7 yards, respectively. McCrae has also averaged 19.2 yards on kickoff returns, while Parker has averaged 13.2 yards.
The Lions are riding a four-game winning streak that has drawn them into a tie with Winnipeg for first place in the West Division. The clubs split their first two meetings of the season, which means that Friday’s game at BC Place Stadium will decide the season series and give the winner a two-point advantage in the playoff seeding.
Though a victory won’t guarantee first place for either side, it will give them a very strong chance to finish first in the West Division. With only two games remaining on the schedule for both teams after Friday’s contest, the club that loses on Friday would have to win out and hope the other squad loses out in order to leapfrog them in the standings.
The Blue Bombers (11-4) will visit the B.C. Lions (11-4) on Friday, Oct. 6 with kickoff slated for 10:00 p.m. EDT.
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