Janarion Grant?

Started by Blue In BC, May 23, 2023, 12:59:43 PM

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Blue In BC

Anyone have any insight as to what is happening? Did he suffer an off season injury training that resulted in being suspended until healthy? Other personal problems?  Is he on the sidelines at camp?
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Lincoln Locomotive

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 23, 2023, 12:59:43 PM
Anyone have any insight as to what is happening? Did he suffer an off season injury training that resulted in being suspended until healthy? Other personal problems?  Is he on the sidelines at camp?
Osh mentioned something about "personal matters"?
Bomber fan for life

Sir Blue and Gold

The Grant situation is a little odd. They also haven't said why Bighill hasn't practiced yet either.

Blue In BC

#3
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on May 23, 2023, 04:12:16 PM
Osh mentioned something about "personal matters"?

He didn't mention when or even if he'd return. Personal matters could be business, family or health I suppose. I don't think he needs a lot of TC time but he needs some to get into game shape. If he's not back after this weekends game, I would be begin to wonder if he'll be here game 1. He could miss some of the early season getting into game shape.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 23, 2023, 05:09:07 PM
He didn't mention when or even if he'd return. Personal matters could be business, family or health I suppose. I don't think he needs a lot of TC time but he needs some to get into game shape. If he's not back after this weekends game, I would be begin to wonder if he'll be here game 1. He could miss some of the early season getting into game shape.

I seem to recall Grant signing at the last moment last year as well, not sure he was here the entire camp.

DM83

Well, the kid they signed recently sounds like a potential replacement......hmmm!

Blue In BC

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 23, 2023, 06:54:06 PM
I seem to recall Grant signing at the last moment last year as well, not sure he was here the entire camp.

As far as I know he was here for the entire camp in 2022. He signed a 1 year extension in Feb 2023. So he's under contract, not a free agent.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Blue In BC

Quote from: DM83 on May 23, 2023, 07:32:45 PM
Well, the kid they signed recently sounds like a potential replacement......hmmm!

There is never a shortage of candidates from DB's and Receivers in camp that might be returners as well. The newbie might be looked at for that role as a DI if necessary, or it could be a few others as well.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 23, 2023, 08:09:10 PM
There is never a shortage of candidates from DB's and Receivers in camp that might be returners as well. The newbie might be looked at for that role as a DI if necessary, or it could be a few others as well.

It seems the trend of using a starter to also do returns is disappearing, more and more teams going with a specialised return man.

pjrocksmb

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 23, 2023, 08:30:18 PM
It seems the trend of using a starter to also do returns is disappearing, more and more teams going with a specialised return man.
I agree with this strategy to protect your starters from injury and wear and tear.

Blue In BC

#10
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 23, 2023, 08:30:18 PM
It seems the trend of using a starter to also do returns is disappearing, more and more teams going with a specialised return man.

I wouldn't entirely agree with that. Many teams use the returner on some plays on offence or defence. Bombers use Grant on a few plays each game for example. There is a fine line that is dependant on the game action.  Limited rosters means many starters work on ST's.

EDIT: Grant had 94 kick returns ( punts or K/O ) in 16 games = 6 per game average more or less.

On offence he had 14 touches in 16 games= less than 1 per game average.  That's not an excessive workload. It depends on when he is involved in an offensive play. IE: if he returns a punt 30 yards, I wouldn't expect to see him as the prime target on the next offensive play ect etc.

In Vancouver, Whitehead had about 80 touches on offence. Obviously on the field more than actual touches. However he also returned 14 punts.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Lincoln Locomotive

Grant is a huge piece of our puzzle and he had a phenomenal season and was impactful in both the Western final and the GC.    I hope he's ok!
Bomber fan for life

DM83

I agree, he is NFL calibre.  Great returner.
I like all our guys.

What's Hurl doing these days?  Is Hurl better than Gauthier as a MLB if Biggy is out indefinitely.  Is Bighill's injury leg related, or Neck/back related  Anyone have some info?

Please and Thanks.

We still have a long way to go before we play any significant meaningful games.  But the "country club" list is not what makes a good team.
Hmmmmmm!

Blue In BC

Quote from: DM83 on May 24, 2023, 05:06:21 PM
I agree, he is NFL calibre.  Great returner.
I like all our guys.

What's Hurl doing these days?  Is Hurl better than Gauthier as a MLB if Biggy is out indefinitely.  Is Bighill's injury leg related, or Neck/back related  Anyone have some info?

Please and Thanks.

We still have a long way to go before we play any significant meaningful games.  But the "country club" list is not what makes a good team.
Hmmmmmm!

No to Hurl. I'd think we'd see an import rookie at MLB if Bighill can't go. Gauthier also getting some reps.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 24, 2023, 01:33:06 PM
I wouldn't entirely agree with that. Many teams use the returner on some plays on offence or defence. Bombers use Grant on a few plays each game for example. There is a fine line that is dependant on the game action.  Limited rosters means many starters work on ST's.

EDIT: Grant had 94 kick returns ( punts or K/O ) in 16 games = 6 per game average more or less.

On offence he had 14 touches in 16 games= less than 1 per game average.  That's not an excessive workload. It depends on when he is involved in an offensive play. IE: if he returns a punt 30 yards, I wouldn't expect to see him as the prime target on the next offensive play ect etc.

In Vancouver, Whitehead had about 80 touches on offence. Obviously on the field more than actual touches. However he also returned 14 punts.

Grant is exactly the kind of specialist I'm referring to, he may get in on the occasional offensive play but he receives a fairly insignificant number of reps..  If it wasn't for his kick return abilities I doubt he would be on the team, especially now with a loaded receiving corps. 

Almost gone are the days when a player like Kevin Fogg would play a full shift in the secondary then drop back to receive punts.  It can be done but probably not the best idea, mainly because it's exhausting and secondarily it puts the health of a starting positional player at higher risk.

theaardvark

Quote from: DM83 on May 24, 2023, 05:06:21 PM

What's Hurl doing these days?  Is Hurl better than Gauthier as a MLB if Biggy is out indefinitely.  Is Bighill's injury leg related, or Neck/back related  Anyone have some info?



Sometimes I can't figure out if you are trying to be funny, or it just your natural state.

As to MLB, isn't Cole competing well at that spot?  Or has he been at WIL?
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Pete

Cole has been playing mostly at weakside linebacker, if we need someone to play mlb I would think it would be Gautier Barrington or Clements (if Clements Cole or Gautier would move to outside.) We have lots of linebackers including Briggs and Caldwalder (who i think has potential at outside lb)
Im more concerned with DE if Jeffcoat is hurt at any point.

DM83

Hey Ards,  I like to raise points that could start an idea, and then a conversation.  However, Mr. Hurl and getting him back, was a joke. Not that he was a joke.  Did the Bombers's defence always sent him to cover the  least dangerous receiver?  whatever, he had to have been used in a different "scheme"

And rest not, They did some weird things with him,  Thank god for Mr. Bighill.  I actually think he is extremely good, and shouldn't all teams  employ guys from Oklahoma or Texas?

So, again, I like to provide points for consideration, except in Mr. Hurl's case. :)

(Us St. Vital residents have to stick together! )

pjrocksmb

Quote from: DM83 on May 24, 2023, 07:16:49 PM
Hey Ards,  I like to raise points that could start an idea, and then a conversation.  However, Mr. Hurl and getting him back, was a joke. Not that he was a joke.  Did the Bombers's defence always sent him to cover the  least dangerous receiver?  whatever, he had to have been used in a different "scheme"

And rest not, They did some weird things with him,  Thank god for Mr. Bighill.  I actually think he is extremely good, and shouldn't all teams  employ guys from Oklahoma or Texas?

So, again, I like to provide points for consideration, except in Mr. Hurl's case. :)

(Us St. Vital residents have to stick together! )
Discussing the return of Hurl is out there man.  Our existing players can fill that role on a temporary rotating basis and new faces will emerge.

I am with Ards hard to tell at times if your posts are serious

DM83

Thanks! (for reading  them)

OK seriously. Do you really think Briggs or Gauthier can be successful as an every down player?
I do not.  I think Gauthier is lumbering  and hard pressed to get to the hole to make a tackle.
Briggs is more of he old school Outside LB.  He could cover some RBs.

Both guys would be over matched with faster guys.  Not fast enough for my defence.  (Good as  emergency replacements, and special teams for Briggs

Luckily, we don't need them as every down guys.

theaardvark

Quote from: DM83 on May 25, 2023, 02:55:15 PM
Thanks! (for reading  them)

OK seriously. Do you really think Briggs or Gauthier can be successful as an every down player?
I do not.  I think Gauthier is lumbering  and hard pressed to get to the hole to make a tackle.
Briggs is more of he old school Outside LB.  He could cover some RBs.

Both guys would be over matched with faster guys.  Not fast enough for my defence.  (Good as  emergency replacements, and special teams for Briggs

Luckily, we don't need them as every down guys.

You do remember Gauthier's season saving "run him down from behind" tackle, right?  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=737658150426882

Not first choice as everyday MLB, but probably better than, say, Hurl...
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Jesse

Quote from: theaardvark on May 25, 2023, 04:44:11 PM
You do remember Gauthier's season saving "run him down from behind" tackle, right?  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=737658150426882

Not first choice as everyday MLB, but probably better than, say, Hurl...

Yes, he's a fine special teamer.
My wife is amazing!

Pigskin

I am fine with Gauthier jumping for a few plays each game.
Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror.

DM83

Yes Gauthier and Briggs are awesome subs.
Better yet greater football players.  Maybe the best at their positions.  It's just that USA guys are probably 5/10 of a second faster.  But that is a MLB vs. A RB, in some cases.

And then that's  a coaches erroneous decision.  I do not expect a run stuffer to run around with Jarrion Grant.

And this is a rare situation.
And sorry I vaguely remember Gauthier make a run down from behind tackle.  If he is that good. maybe a time to start thinking about Biggie.... But are they not both nearin their expiry dates, so to speak.

But heh!  Aren't we all?

pjrocksmb

Gauthier and Briggs will retire here and continue to contribute to our success at very good rotational backups that can start in a pinch.

Lincoln Locomotive

so any further news on Janarion.....that's what this post was about
Bomber fan for life

Jesse

Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on May 26, 2023, 02:40:09 PM
so any further news on Janarion.....that's what this post was about

Not practicing, not playing in Edmonton.
My wife is amazing!

Blue In BC

#27
Quote from: Jesse on May 26, 2023, 02:50:45 PM
Not practicing, not playing in Edmonton.

Grant also saw his offensive workload increase slightly, as he had six receptions for 54 yards and added 74 yards on eight carries.

On February 3, 2023 Grant signed a one-year contract extension to remain with the club.

Nobody has actually said whether he's on the sidelines. If he is that would be more encouraging than not in Winnipeg at all. It might suggest some sort of off season injury he is dealing with at the moment.

If he's not in Winnipeg by early next week, that becomes more of an issue although what the issue might be in unknown to posters. It could be as uncomplicated as finishing dealing with some family or business issue. Or it could be wanting to re-negotiate his contract or considering retiring. Even as a relatively well paid returner, his career path may be a greater incentive financially?

I have no expectation of him being replaced per se as our returner unless it becomes necessary due to absence.

EDIT: Ok, reported that he is dealing with an injury. To what extent we'll see. When healthy he is in the top 2 CFL returners. Want him back soon to resolve that issue.

So we'll see who gets chances during pre season to potentially fill that role. Several possibilities including McCrae and a bunch of pure rookie receivers, RB's and DB's that might get a role.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

DM83

Todays game returners look like they didn?t want to chase Grants job! Underwhelming performance.

Lincoln Locomotive

#29
Quote from: DM83 on May 28, 2023, 04:11:22 AM
Todays game returners look like they didn?t want to chase Grants job! Underwhelming performance.
we haven't had a guy like Grant for a long while....he's electric and was a huge factor in us beating BC and almost winning our 3rd successive GC....not to be understated that we need him back....I hope he's ok and he did miss games last season due to injury
Bomber fan for life

theaardvark

Holm seems to have made the team as a DB, and he looked pretty good in the past as a returner... would not mind seeing him returning next game...
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Blue In BC

#31
Quote from: theaardvark on May 28, 2023, 03:38:16 PM
Holm seems to have made the team as a DB, and he looked pretty good in the past as a returner... would not mind seeing him returning next game...

They may not want to use a starting DB in the role ( if he makes the team as a starter ). If he makes the roster as a DI, then possibly that works.  I think he has a good chance to be a starter game 1, but we'll see.

As a returner he has very good speed. Whether he has the elusiveness a returner needs, I'm not as certain. None of our returners yesterday looked like they had that either.  Also there is a difference in being the hammer versus the nail. It's a different mental aspect he may or may not have. Looking at 2022 stats he only had 4 punt returns. So small sample.
2019 Grey Cup Champions

blueraid

Certainly didn't see a Grant replacement in that game....I hope Janarion checks in this week ::)

Sir Blue and Gold

It's really hard to evaluate returners on TV. Hard to see the kick trajectory, blocking, etc.

pdirks67

According to 3DownNation:
Winnipeg Blue Bombers activate KR Janarion Grant from suspended list

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have removed Janarion Grant from the suspended list and added him to the active roster.

Two weeks ago, head coach Mike O?Shea indicated that Grant needed time to tend to a personal matter. He is now eligible to return to regular team activities.

Grant recorded five return touchdowns in 2022, three in the regular season and two more in the playoffs. His most recent touchdown was a record-setting 102-yard return that came during the team?s Grey Cup loss to Toronto.

The Rutgers product was named a CFL all-star after recording 817 punt return yards and 782 kickoff return yards in 16 regular season games in 2023. Last season, he became the Blue Bombers? all-time leader in regular-season kick return touchdowns with seven.

The Blue Bombers will finish their preseason on Friday, June 2 with a game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at IG Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT.


https://3downnation.com/2023/05/31/winnipeg-blue-bombers-activate-kr-janarion-grant-from-suspended-list/

ModAdmin

Blue Bombers transactions - May 31, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 31, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster from suspended list:
American receiver/returner Janarion Grant

"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

Blue In BC

#36
Quote from: ModAdmin on May 31, 2023, 02:42:30 PM
Blue Bombers transactions - May 31, 2023

WINNIPEG, MB., May 31, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster from suspended list:
American receiver/returner Janarion Grant



Perfect. That's one less thing to wonder about.  It's not un-usual for a team to allow a grace period for a veteran to return late to TC. At times family or personal business issues arise that were unexpected etc.

We don't need to know what the details are as fans. He may not practice today but he'll get some work next week in preparation for the season opener.

On a side question, one player on the roster means another off in theory??
2019 Grey Cup Champions

Lincoln Locomotive

Great to see him back....hope everything worked out for him
Bomber fan for life

LXTSN

I'm glad he's in a position where the team trusts him and allows him to take his time coming back.
Whether it's a training thing or a family issue, it doesn't matter.
He's a game breaker and wins us games when we have an off night as an offence and defence!

pjrocksmb

Key part of our ball club

Maybe best there is at his position

DM83

Grant is all CFL.m best returner bar none. Great!