After enjoying some time off during their bye week, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are set to face the mighty BC Lions this Friday at 10PM EST. The Bombers who are at the very top of the West Division have yet to play the Lions this season, and it will be very interesting to see how they fare; the Lions are third in the very same division, just under the Roughriders who are nestled in spot number two between the two teams that’ll face off on Friday night.

Of the bye week and the benefits it had on the team overall, head coach, Mike O’Shea said:

“…I do think the guys needed a rest and hopefully they got what they needed…It seemed like it. It seemed like the guys were active today and good in the meetings and focused. And ready to be back, happy to see each other again, which is nice…”

via Global

And so the Bombers have indeed had some rest and hopes are high that their reign at the top should continue, and with players who haven’t seen any action as of late returning (and in one case for most of the last two seasons), many are expecting that the fresh faces can bring in even more momentum for a team that’s already doing exceptionally well.

Making a return to action is none other than defensive tackle Steven Richardson. Of having to miss out a total of six games so far this season and the entirety of 2019, he stated:

“…You come back and the first game, just out…It was definitely frustrating, but what I kept telling myself is it could have been worse, could have been a whole lot worse…It feels really good to be back out there. I think I’m most excited about just being able to see myself on film again. It’s just so boring in the film room. Your jersey number never shows up and so you’re just sitting there watching…”

via Global

And he is not alone, as returner Janarion Grant will also be playing according to Global News. He too missed six games so far this season. Both men were at practice.

A rookie in 2019 (a good rookie year for him), stated of the upcoming game:

“…We just got to go out there and execute more…Just being able to take advantage of the opportunities that we have. We have great guys as well as me out there to be able to return kicks, and catch the punt returns. So, that’s all that really is…”

via Global

On the overall picture and the very real fact that they have had a successful season overall but are shaky in that return portion of the field, their averages in that department ranking them only in the middle of the league overall, which for a top team isn’t all that great.

O’Shea’s take on that is simple enough, though. He said:

“…Charles Nelson (who has had such duties in place of the missing Grant) is a good returner…Doesn’t matter which returner is back there. If we don’t give him a cleaner picture to look at, I don’t know what changing the returner would do…”

via Global

NEXT: Bombers Looking Ahead—Alford Comments On CFL’s Top Performer Nod

As stated, hopes are definitely high and the anticipation for this game is felt on both sides. Should be a spectacle for sure.