October 15, 2014

Out of the Blue: Bombers release RB Grigsby

Adam Gagnon

CFL.ca Staff

WINNIPEG — The CFL’s fourth-leading rusher is now on the market, after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced on Wednesday they’ve released international running back Nic Grigsby. 

Grigsby tweeted moments after the news broke that he asked for his release.

Grigsby is fourth in the league in rushing with 744 yards on the ground, while his 55 catches are tops among running backs and sixth among all pass-catchers. Last weekend provided the first indication that the Bombers were discontent with their leading rusher, when the team opted to start Paris Cotton, also a rookie, out of the backfield.

The 25-year-old Grigsby was in head-to-head competition with Cotton from the start of training camp, and earned the job after Cotton was injured during pre-season. Grigsby enjoyed a strong season statistically, helping the Bombers start their season 5-1. They’ve since gone 1-8, however, while the Bombers’ rushing attack has struggled to pick up its early-season pace.

Cotton, 24, rushed for 31 yards on eight carries in his first start, a 41-9 loss to the Eskimos on Thanksgiving Monday, and is expected to handle starting running back duties moving forward.