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TORONTO — Training camp is officially underway and the countdown to kickoff is on.
As players compete for roster spots and coaches look to settle their depth charts, we check in on the latest news including retirements, injuries and position battles.
All of that and more in Checking Down.
– Eskimos players are excited about the up-tempo offence, reports CHED’s Dave Campbell, but for defensive players there will be more of an adjustment:
I asked Pat Watkins about how much different the D is with Mike Benevides from Chris Jones: “As of right now 100%” #Eskimos #CFL
— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) May 29, 2016
– The Riders may have to wait to see Josiah St. John in uniform, as the first overall pick is reportedly willing to hold out through training camp.
– For all the talk of the battle for third string quarterback in Calgary, it’s possible both Andrew Buckley and Bryant Moniz could still make the team:
There’s a chance both Bryant Moniz and Andrew Buckley make this team. DD is open to the idea of keeping 4 QBs. #CFL — Scott Mitchell (@ScottMitchellPM) May 29, 2016
– It appears that Brandon Bridge is very much a part of the conversation at quarterback for the Als, as he took second-team reps on the first day of training camp:
From what I’m seeing on the field, Brandon Bridge appears to be the #2 QB for today. #Alouettes #CFL — Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) May 29, 2016
– The quarterback competition is in full force for the Ticats as Jeff Mathews and Jeremiah Masoli are among those vying for a chance to start opening day:
Masoli took three reps with the #Ticats first team offence and was replaced by Jeff Mathews. Game on. #CFL — Drew Edwards (@scratchingpost) May 29, 2016
– The Eskimos revealed their position chart heading into training camp and one surprise, according to CHED’s Dave Campbell, is who’s listed as the starting running back:
I’m a little surprised the #Eskimos listed John White as the #1 RB on the depth chart. If he returns to his 2014 form, justified. #CFL — Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) May 29, 2016
– Brandon Banks is one big name missing from camps so far today as he deals with a family issue:
#Ticats Kent Austin on @speedybanks87: “He has a family issue he’s dealing with & as soon as he gets it dealt with, he’ll be back up.” #CFL — Drew Edwards (@scratchingpost) May 29, 2016
– It looks like there’s some substance to the talk of a rejuvenated Ricky Ray, says TSN’s Matthew Scianitti:
First glance: Talk of rejuvenated Ricky Ray appears accurate.Time w throwing guru Tom House looks worth it #Argos QB throws look strong #CFL — Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) May 29, 2016
– Don’t call 2016 a farewell season for Henry Burris. The 40-year-old quarterback said Sunday he plans to return in 2017:
Huge news out of #Ottawa #RedBlacks camp. QB Henry #Burris just told @martincomtois and myself that he will be back for 2017 season. #CFL — Tim Baines (@TimCBaines) May 29, 2016
– Who will be returning kicks for the Bombers in 2016? So far it looks like there are a number of options:
The group of #Bombers returners includes Ryan Smith, Weston Dressler, Quincy McDuffie, Andrew Harris and Justin Veltung. — Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) May 29, 2016
