THE CANADIAN PRESS

WINNIPEG -- Coach Paul LaPolice isn't saying who will start at quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in their home opener next week.

With Buck Pierce out of action for the next month, Alex Brink completed only nine of 34 passes Wednesday night, falling 25-22 to the Toronto Argonauts.

"He hit a nice throw to (Clarence) Denmark,'' LaPolice said as he arrived at the Winnipeg airport Thursday, when asked for some positives about Brink's performance.

"I think he stood in there. He hurt his groin a little bit himself so he was kind of banged up but I want to look at the film and go from there.''

Brink admits he had trouble getting anything going against the Toronto defence.

"I don't know if I ever really found that rhythm,'' he said.

"It's tough when they're playing that much man coverage, a lot of press man, they're making contact with our receivers, it really throws your timing off.

"They're a good defence and they had a good game plan for us.''

If Brink doesn't start, it's likely the nod would go to Joey Elliott, who sits third on the Bomber quarterback depth chart.

Because of what was expected to be a delay opening their new stadium, the Bombers opted to play their first four games on the road. They eventually gave up and decided they would play all their home games at the old Canad Inns Stadium.

That means their first regular-season home game is next Thursday when the Edmonton Eskimos come to town. Winnipeg was crushed 42-10 when the two teams met last Friday in Edmonton.

The already lengthy Bomber injury list grew Wednesday with the addition of receiver Terrence Edwards, safety Ian Logan and defensive lineman Brandon Collier.  LaPolice says Collier could be gone long-term.

LaPolice says the team is frustrated with the poor start as they try to get back to the Grey Cup after losing to B.C. in last year's final.

There were positives Wednesday night, such as running back Chad Simpson's 91-yard rushing debut (he collected another 31 receiving), and LaPolice says other elements also improved, but not enough.

"Our kicking game I thought was good...Our defensive intensity was better, we got to the quarterback, and we ran the ball better offensively, but we have to put it all together.''

He says the extended road swing is no excuse.

"If you win two games you're not talking about that issue...You've got to win games on the road, that's part of being successful.''