Following their defeat in Toronto on Saturday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers haven’t had much time to bandage their wounds; now, they have more to tend to.
The prolonged absence of offensive lineman Pat Neufeld and receiver Drew Wolitarsky will begin with Thursday’s home game against the top-seeded B.C. Lions.
The six-game injury list now includes both.
Lucky Whitehead, a former B.C. receiver and Bomber before that, will start in Wolitarsky’s place against the Lions after he was just signed by Winnipeg.
American Kendall Randolph, a 25-year-old from Alabama who immediately joins the practice squad, will take Neufeld’s spot on the offensive line.
The Bombers, who have labored to a 2-6 record, are just now suffering their latest setback. Meanwhile, the Lions have grabbed the first spot in the CFL West with a 5-2 record.
In Toronto, Wolitarsky took a strong hit to the side, becoming the third starting receiver to have a catastrophic injury after Dalton Schoen (torn knee ligament) and Kenny Lawler (broken arm).
The O-line, which has struggled at times this season, has improved in recent games, although Neufeld’s injury to his knee is listed.
The Bombers recently suffered losses of 16–14 in Toronto and 19–9 in Saskatchewan, while B.C. had a bye last week and dropped its most recent game, 25–24, against Calgary.