Esks.com Staff
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have released kick returner Jason Armstead, defensive back Jykine Bradley, offensive lineman Chris Patrick and defensive lineman Joe Sykes.
The club also announced today that they have signed free agent import defensive back Michael Ricks.
A veteran of eight CFL seasons, Armstead spent parts of the past two years with the Eskimos. In 12 games with the Eskimos in 2011, he returned 62 punts for 486 yards and one touchdown.
He also registered 684 yards on 35 kick returns.
Signed as a free agent prior to the start of the 2011 season, Bradley started 17 games at cornerback and registered 31 defensive tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and eight pass knockdowns.
Patrick appeared in 11 games at right tackle after signing as a free agent on August 16th.
Injuries limited Sykes to just four games (three starts) in 2011. He spent the entire 2010 season on the Esks’ practice roster.
“We want to thank these players for their contributions last season to our success,” said general manager Eric Tillman.
Ricks (6-1, 195 lbs) was a standout at Stillman College where he posted 108 tackles, seven interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 20 games over two seasons.
Ricks transferred to Stillman from North East Mississippi College where he spent two years (2005 – 2006) and was a two time All-State selection. Ricks signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and attended their 2011 training camp.
