Any word on M Couture or B Alexander

[Tiger]

I have not heard anything lately.  Will they be back this season?

[pjrocksmb]

Let's hope so

[Pigskin]

Why would Couture not be back this year?

[Jesse]

Why would Couture not be back this year?

Since we?re told nothing, and he hasn?t started practicing, it?s as likely as it is not.

[TecnoGenius]

I have less of an idea what's going on with injuries this season than in any previous one!  And that's saying something.  The team is totally opaque on injuries.  We have no clue what's going on.

Kind of sad for us, but it's part of MOS' winning ways.  Don't give away anything to the enemy.

[Pigskin]

Both of these players injuries have been well documented. Couture broke a bone in his arm and is out of his cast and in a soft brace. According to Doug Brown he could be back real soon. There have been a number of reports about BA37, and his injury and recovery. Last report I heard BA37 is working out. How close is he to returning to the lineup???

[DM83]

Geez give these guys a break, no pun intended.  Knee injuries are rediculously individually when healing. Soft tissue injuries don't seem that significant, but again, guys heal at different speeds.

I want them back also, but football is a crazy brutal game. I mean why do you think golf is so popular?

[blueandgoldguy]

Before the beginning of the season, it was reported that Brandon Alexander would miss half the season.  I guess those reports were overly optimistic as we are over halfway through the season and there is still no word as to when he will return.  Disappointing as I really wanted to see him back for the back-to-back vs. the Riders.  Hopefully it's no more than a couple weeks from now.

Couture was originally thought to be out for 6 weeks, but it's been 10 weeks I think.  He might not be back until after the second bye so we will probably be missing him for the next 3 games.  Again, that's another one I would like to have back this week against a tough Rider front-7.

[theaardvark]

We are 10-1, and might add Couture and Dejarlais to our Oline for the playoffs? 

Yikes

[LXTSN]

https://twitter.com/EdTaitWFC/status/1565019220718817280

[LXTSN]

https://twitter.com/EdTaitWFC/status/1565019220718817280

Alexander, and Couture in full pads!

[Blue In BC]

Alexander, and Couture in full pads!

Good to hear. Other injuries might suggest they get activated as emergency back ups. They won't be in game shape for awhile.

Every week it's a question about who is coming off of IR and who is going on. Lots of injuries in 2022.

[LXTSN]

Good to hear. Other injuries might suggest they get activated as emergency back ups. They won't be in game shape for awhile.

Every week it's a question about who is coming off of IR and who is going on. Lots of injuries in 2022.

I disagree. I think with players like Couture and Alexander, you are only playing them if they are ready to play. We are 10-1 so I don't think they should be willing to risk coming back to early to back up another position. They come back only to start and only when they are 100%.

[NewBlue]

This is great news, just sucks its unlikely they dress for Sunday!

[blue_gold_84]

This is great news, just sucks its unlikely they dress for Sunday!

Perhaps back for the Banjo Bowl, though.

[Blue In BC]

I disagree. I think with players like Couture and Alexander, you are only playing them if they are ready to play. We are 10-1 so I don't think they should be willing to risk coming back to early to back up another position. They come back only to start and only when they are 100%.

Being healthy is not the same as being game ready conditioned. If they are practising with full pads, that would suggest they are healthy.

So I understand your point and agree but that might not be the current reality. Even if practice reports for this weeks shows " limited " that still suggests they are candidates to be activated.

At the moment we don't need an OL although Neufeld has been nicked all year.

OTOH, if Houston is out that is a specific need. That's true even if Holm takes Houston's spot at CB. We have the ability to to start Alexander at safety.

Will watch to see what the daily reports look like. Question 1 is Houston practising at all.

[Blue In BC]

Perhaps back for the Banjo Bowl, though.

More probable than this week but not impossible either. We added Machino last week and he was hardly on the field.

[TBURGESS]

Great news that the guys are back in pads!

[LXTSN]

Being healthy is not the same as being game ready conditioned. If they are practising with full pads, that would suggest they are healthy.

So I understand your point and agree but that might not be the current reality. Even if practice reports for this weeks shows " limited " that still suggests they are candidates to be activated.

At the moment we don't need an OL although Neufeld has been nicked all year.

OTOH, if Houston is out that is a specific need. That's true even if Holm takes Houston's spot at CB. We have the ability to to start Alexander at safety.

Will watch to see what the daily reports look like. Question 1 is Houston practising at all.

I think we are mostly saying the same thing. I don't think either of them are ready to jump into a game situation.
I would not want to see Alexander back there as an emergency option. If they don't think he's ready to start, he shouldn't be on the active roster. I'd hate for him to come into the game not ready because someone got hurt.

[Blue In BC]

I think we are mostly saying the same thing. I don't think either of them are ready to jump into a game situation.
I would not want to see Alexander back there as an emergency option. If they don't think he's ready to start, he shouldn't be on the active roster. I'd hate for him to come into the game not ready because someone got hurt.

Being ready to start is getting your timing down right and even your mental preparation. As I suggested that has nothing to do with actually being healthy or putting a player at further risk.

Realistically most players already on our AR have some sort of " injury " " bumps and bruises ". It's the nature of a physical sport.

So potentially being activated for spot duty or injury depth is reasonable IMO if they manage this weeks' practice with no ill effects.

[NewBlue]

Agree that there is no point in them dressing up as a backup.
Its start or sit for them

[Blue In BC]

Agree that there is no point in them dressing up as a backup.
Its start or sit for them

That's not really the way it works. There is a point.  The team dresses the players that best give them the chance to win.

If we have an in game injury on the OL would you rather see Dobson start or Couture?

If we have an in game injury in the secondary would you rather see Holm start of Alexander? Keeping in mind that Parker is already likely replacing Houston this week.

Which of those choices on the roster give your team the best chance to win from starters through depth?

Part of that might be determined by whether those two are practising with the # 1 teams.

[NewBlue]

If they are not healthy enough to start, then they don't play. Simple.

If your point is that they are healthy enough, but cardio not there, then they still start but get spelled often.

[M.O.A.B.]

I'm guessing...

Out: DB Houston (6-game), DB Rene* (6-game), OL Machino (PR)
In: DB Holm, DB Kramdi*, WR Oleary-Orange*


We'll probably see Alexander and Couture at Banjo Bowl, the earliest

[Pigskin]

If Couture and Alexander are healthy and ready to go dress them both. Couldn't have two better backups. Nothing like game reps.

[Blue In BC]

If they are not healthy enough to start, then they don't play. Simple.

If your point is that they are healthy enough, but cardio not there, then they still start but get spelled often.

Augustine hasn't practised much in weeks. He's not 100% and he's been the back up. He got his 1st action last game when Oliveria got nicked. Jeffcoat, Miller and lots of players have been " DNP" or " limited " for many practices recently.  It's a question of lesser of two evils.



It's not just cardio. Alexander hasn't played in 8 months. Footwork, timing and game readiness a little 1st week in TC. Work to be done.

[Blue In BC]

I'm guessing...

Out: DB Houston (6-game), DB Rene* (6-game), OL Machino (PR)
In: DB Holm, DB Kramdi*, WR Oleary-Orange*


We'll probably see Alexander and Couture at Banjo Bowl, the earliest

That's what I expect at the moment aside from not knowing if Houston is 1 game or 6 game IR.

[LXTSN]

That's not really the way it works. There is a point.  The team dresses the players that best give them the chance to win.

If we have an in game injury on the OL would you rather see Dobson start or Couture?

If we have an in game injury in the secondary would you rather see Holm start of Alexander? Keeping in mind that Parker is already likely replacing Houston this week.

Which of those choices on the roster give your team the best chance to win from starters through depth?

Part of that might be determined by whether those two are practising with the # 1 teams.

My answer to these would be: If they aren't ready to start I'd have Holm or Dobson sub in rather than throw Alexander or Couture in there.
Risk to reward is just not worth it. Let them rest one more week and focus on the next one where they would start.

[M.O.A.B.]

Thompson was a full participant in practice today too. Although he still need a week to complete his stint on the 6-game before he comes back.

[M.O.A.B.]

That's what I expect at the moment aside from not knowing if Houston is 1 game or 6 game IR.

I will correct myself.

If my math is correct, Alexander have completed his 2nd 6-gamer. So he will be either at 1-gamer or might be in the line-up.

Couture started his 2nd 6-gamer on Aug3 so he still need a few weeks. But if he is practicing now, maybe they are pulling him early?

[Blue In BC]

My answer to these would be: If they aren't ready to start I'd have Holm or Dobson sub in rather than throw Alexander or Couture in there.
Risk to reward is just not worth it. Let them rest one more week and focus on the next one where they would start.

Do you pay any attention to daily IR reports before each game. Today's shows Neufeld, Jeffcoat, Bighill, Miller and Clements as " DNP " or " Limited ". Do you really expect most of those players to not play this week?

Couture is listed as " full " but even that is no guarantee he gets added this week or starts if he gets added. Kramdi and Thompson also shown as " full ".

Definition of healthy is a broad statement. Generally it means as not likely going to further cause damage but not necessarily be 100%.

Like I said Miller has been " DNP " for most of the season and he plays every game. Neufeld has been dealing with an arm injury for weeks and wears a brace.

[Blue In BC]

I will correct myself.

If my math is correct, Alexander have completed his 2nd 6-gamer. So he will be either at 1-gamer or might be in the line-up.

Couture started his 2nd 6-gamer on Aug3 so he still need a few weeks. But if he is practicing now, maybe they are pulling him early?

We've only played 11 games so he hasn't completed his 2nd stint. However there was a rule about players extended on the 6 game IR coming off early and not counting against SMS. It's less than the full 6 but more than 4 I think.

Couture practised as " full " today and he's missed 9 games. That might mean he can practise this week but is not eligible to come off without an SMS hit.

There was nothing about Alexander on the daily IR report but we heard he was in pads?

It's never been clear about the extensions and SMS.

[Tiger]

This is great news, just sucks its unlikely they dress for Sunday!

Ditto

[M.O.A.B.]

We've only played 11 games so he hasn't completed his 2nd stint. However there was a rule about players extended on the 6 game IR coming off early and not counting against SMS. It's less than the full 6 but more than 4 I think.

Couture practised as " full " today and he's missed 9 games. That might mean he can practise this week but is not eligible to come off without an SMS hit.

There was nothing about Alexander on the daily IR report but we heard he was in pads?

It's never been clear about the extensions and SMS.

So the bye week doesn't count, I guess.

[pjrocksmb]

When our aces comes back nobody can touch us

[M.O.A.B.]

Couture is activated replacing Machino. Holm on active as well.

[Jesse]

Do you pay any attention to daily IR reports before each game. Today's shows Neufeld, Jeffcoat, Bighill, Miller and Clements as " DNP " or " Limited ". Do you really expect most of those players to not play this week?

Couture is listed as " full " but even that is no guarantee he gets added this week or starts if he gets added. Kramdi and Thompson also shown as " full ".

Definition of healthy is a broad statement. Generally it means as not likely going to further cause damage but not necessarily be 100%.

Like I said Miller has been " DNP " for most of the season and he plays every game. Neufeld has been dealing with an arm injury for weeks and wears a brace.

Of course not. They don't mean a thing.

[Blue In BC]

Of course not. They don't mean a thing.

They indicate many players are at less than 100% but will still start games. So it means something.

Couture and Holm added to active roster. That answers the question about whether Alexander is back this week ( he's not ).  Those were pretty conclusive quick decisions.

Now we'll see if Couture starts immediately.

Still might see some back ups make the game day roster: O'Leary-Orange, Hallett and Kramdi for example. Wouldn't mind seeing Thompson come back early but wasn't really expecting that yet.

Todays changes took 3 players off the AR but only added 2. More to follow I suppose.

[Jesse]

They indicate many players are at less than 100% but will still start games. So it means something.

Couture and Holm added to active roster. That answers the question about whether Alexander is back this week ( he's not ).  Those were pretty conclusive quick decisions.

Now we'll see if Couture starts immediately.

Still might see some back ups make the game day roster: O'Leary-Orange, Hallett and Kramdi for example. Wouldn't mind seeing Thompson come back early but wasn't really expecting that yet.

Todays changes took 3 players off the AR but only added 2. More to follow I suppose.

Every player is less than 100%

vets can get away with not practicing. Ellingson has practiced and not played. Demski has not practiced and played.

The only thing it means is the CFL forces them to put something out.

[LXTSN]

Do you pay any attention to daily IR reports before each game. Today's shows Neufeld, Jeffcoat, Bighill, Miller and Clements as " DNP " or " Limited ". Do you really expect most of those players to not play this week?

Couture is listed as " full " but even that is no guarantee he gets added this week or starts if he gets added. Kramdi and Thompson also shown as " full ".

Definition of healthy is a broad statement. Generally it means as not likely going to further cause damage but not necessarily be 100%.

Like I said Miller has been " DNP " for most of the season and he plays every game. Neufeld has been dealing with an arm injury for weeks and wears a brace.

Are you expecting any of these players to play a back up role?
My point is mainly for Alexander. When he is ready and confident in his leg, he will start. It's more of a mindset issue than anything. No point in having him 80% and in a backup role where he might play. I'd rather put bench players in that role than throwing Alexander in before he knows he's ready

[Blue In BC]

Are you expecting any of these players to play a back up role?
My point is mainly for Alexander. When he is ready and confident in his leg, he will start. It's more of a mindset issue than anything. No point in having him 80% and in a backup role where he might play. I'd rather put bench players in that role than throwing Alexander in before he knows he's ready

No I don't expect any of those players to be playing a back up role.

That's not the same as a player that has not played a game since last December. Playing nursing various nicks and bruises during the season is expected.

You can't expect a player that is necessarily healthy to be as game ready and could / should be eased back into a starting role. One because he's recovering from a very serious injury rather than the bumps and bruises most players experience during the season.

Two because as I've said game conditioning readiness rather than healthy are different situations.  You already mentioned mindset. That isn't something that will be 100% the moment he's healthy which is my point.

Players always think they are completely ready to play. A player could almost be on crutches on the sidelines telling the coaches to put him in. That's an exaggeration but it's also not far from the truth.

Anyway. We agree to disagree I wouldn't rule out either situation of him being a back up in his 1st game in 2022 or being made the starter.

[Pigskin]

Are you expecting any of these players to play a back up role?
My point is mainly for Alexander. When he is ready and confident in his leg, he will start. It's more of a mindset issue than anything. No point in having him 80% and in a backup role where he might play. I'd rather put bench players in that role than throwing Alexander in before he knows he's ready

I expect them both to be in backup roles to start the game if there playing. Practice speed and game speeeeeed are to different things. Giving Couture some playing time each quarter. BA37 will probably play teams for the first game he is back. Maybe a few plays on D if required.

[bwiser]

Its great to see Couture likely returning to the lineup this week and Alexander likely back for the Banjo Bowl. If the Bombers can get Desjarlais back and Ellingson back in the lineup soon the Bombers are going to be really tough to beat.

[TBURGESS]

@Ted_Wyman Don?t see Brandon Alexander on the field today with #Bombers after he returned to practice yesterday. Has been out all season and is working his way back.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

No I don't expect any of those players to be playing a back up role.

That's not the same as a player that has not played a game since last December. Playing nursing various nicks and bruises during the season is expected.

You can't expect a player that is necessarily healthy to be as game ready and could / should be eased back into a starting role. One because he's recovering from a very serious injury rather than the bumps and bruises most players experience during the season.

Two because as I've said game conditioning readiness rather than healthy are different situations.  You already mentioned mindset. That isn't something that will be 100% the moment he's healthy which is my point.

Players always think they are completely ready to play. A player could almost be on crutches on the sidelines telling the coaches to put him in. That's an exaggeration but it's also not far from the truth.

Anyway. We agree to disagree I wouldn't rule out either situation of him being a back up in his 1st game in 2022 or being made the starter.

Makes good sense to ease these guys in as game shape and rust are huge factors.   

[BLUEBOMBER]

Would be nice to see Alexander back but only if he is totally healthy. Hallett has stepped in nicely for him and is showing improvements every game. The interaction today sealed the game for us.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Would be nice to see Alexander back but only if he is totally healthy. Hallett has stepped in nicely for him and is showing improvements every game. The interaction today sealed the game for us.

I didn't notice Thompson out there, did he play at all?

[Blue In BC]

I didn't notice Thompson out there, did he play at all?

He was on ST's a few times. Didn't see him on defence at all. Getting into game shape and eased in probably. Hallett is playing well so no need to rush him back as a starter. The question is will Alexander be ready next week and who starts of the 3 safeties?

[Pigskin]

BA37 will probably go though the same process. Teams for the first game or two. There a big difference between game speed and practice.

[Pete]

With the number of achilles tendon issues, is there no added orotection available? Seems to me its costing a lot of atheletes careers

[theaardvark]

With the number of achilles tendon issues, is there no added orotection available? Seems to me its costing a lot of atheletes careers

There are lots of support and protection devices for any body part, but as you protect, you reduce mobility.  Oline have knee braces and spats, but they aren't trying to make cuts or go fast. 

[Pete]

There has to come a point where the tradeoff is worth it...it may be just getiing used to it. In hockey they were getting broken foot bones and teams made it mandatory for skate guards. Especially for linebackers

[DM83]

There is no such thing as an Achilles protection pad, as far as I know stretching reduces the severity of the dynamics of the action, but if is in a compromising position it apparently just snaps.

[bwiser]

He was on ST's a few times. Didn't see him on defence at all. Getting into game shape and eased in probably. Hallett is playing well so no need to rush him back as a starter. The question is will Alexander be ready next week and who starts of the 3 safeties?

I think that the Bombers could put Alexander in as another position other than safety. Parker is inexperienced and could be the odd man out.

[M.O.A.B.]

I think that the Bombers could put Alexander in as another position other than safety. Parker is inexperienced and could be the odd man out.

Actually Holm could be the odd-man out. Parker played well last game, from what I've heard.

[LXTSN]

Actually Holm could be the odd-man out. Parker played well last game, from what I've heard.

I would take Holm out before Parker. I think Parker has game, but I'd like to see him play up a little closer to the line of scrimmage. Seemed to get burned by Moore quite a bit on underneath routes, but he did make really quick tackles in the last 2 games.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

There is no such thing as an Achilles protection pad, as far as I know stretching reduces the severity of the dynamics of the action, but if is in a compromising position it apparently just snaps.

After reading through several medical journals about various sports injuries it's apparent that the Achilles' tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body and subsequently gets the most wear and tear of any tendon as well.   Today's athletes have tremendously strong musculatures and exert enormous pressure on it on a continual basis.   Apparently the repetitive stresses can accumulate with the type of extreme exertion until the tendon can be weakened to the point of snapping.    It's also a difficult injury to fully recover from as well and thus has ended many a sports career.    

[northof30]

Is Ellingson out for the season?

[bwiser]

Actually Holm could be the odd-man out. Parker played well last game, from what I've heard.

I think that Parker has held his own as well but he has the least experience of any player in the secondary. Holm did a good job on returns but I think Grant will be back soon and will resume his position.

[Jesse]

Is Ellingson out for the season?

He's on the 6-game, so seemingly out for the regular season.

We'll see if he starts paracticing in time for play-offs.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He's on the 6-game, so seemingly out for the regular season.

We'll see if he starts paracticing in time for play-offs.

Hope not, that would be bad.  He started off great, had a huge game against the Elks, then gone.

[Pigskin]

GE2 has missed two game, so he should be able to return for October 15th against BC?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

GE2 has missed two game, so he should be able to return for October 15th against BC?

He's missed a lot more than 2 games, don't know how many, but a lot.

[Pigskin]

He's missed a lot more than 2 games, don't know how many, but a lot.

Since he came back? He played in week 10, week 11 was a bye, missed weeks 12 and 13.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Apparently Couture and Alexander are practicing today.  Also Drew Brown working with the first team, maybe Marino's hit on Collaros did more damage than some thought.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Since he came back? He played in week 10, week 11 was a bye, missed weeks 12 and 13.

I can't keep track, it seems like Ellingson has been gone for an eternity.

[pjrocksmb]

Apparently Couture and Alexander are practicing today.  Also Drew Brown working with the first team, maybe Marino's hit on Collaros did more damage than some thought.

o no

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think I interpreted that wrong, no mention Collaros is not practicing.

[northof30]

I can't keep track, it seems like Ellingson has been gone for an eternity.

I think Ellingson has now missed 7 games in a row.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I think Ellingson has now missed 7 games in a row.

He played August 11 against Montreal (3 catches for 54 yards) and then got hurt in practice following the bye.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Where the heck did anyone say Zach did not practise with first team today?

No mention on CJOB no mention in media outlets no mention on social media where the friggin hell was this mentioned Bannatyne other than your flapper?

[Tiger]

He's on the 6-game, so seemingly out for the regular season.

We'll see if he starts paracticing in time for play-offs.

***