CFL.ca Staff

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos have named Matt Nichols their starting quarterback for a crucial matchup with the Calgary Stampeders on Friday night.

Spending the year as third on the Esks' depth chart, Nichols has been taking first-team reps in practice this week while Steven Jyles and Kerry Joseph recover from injuries.

Nichols had an impressive drive in Hamilton two weeks ago, including two touchdown passes that were called back, before taking a hit that kept him on the sidelines for the remainder of the game.

"I think when you can take a full week to prepare, you know what they are going to be throwing at you, you know what plays you're going to be running, I think that's a lot better than getting thrown in and having no pressure. I'd rather have the week to prepare," said Nichols.

Nichols now faces the tall task of getting the Esks back in the win column, with the club currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak.

Still, Head Coach Kavis Reed believes Nichols has all the tools to get the Green and Gold a much needed victory.

"We feel confident that Matt has enough understanding of the offence," said Reed. "He has enough skill sets to be able to go out and guide and lead this offence. We know that he's a very smart individual and that he will do things the smart way."

Nichols first signed with Edmonton in October 2010. He threw his first and only CFL touchdown pass in the Labour Day Rematch this season when he mishandled a field goal snap and threw the ball to Corbin Sharun for a 35-yard touchdown to end the first half.