July 5, 2017

Eskimos bring back familiar face in Kendial Lawrence

Esks.com

EDMONTON — With John White on the shelf, the Edmonton Eskimos have called for a helping hand, announcing Wednesday the addition of running back Kendial Lawrence.

White is a familiar face for the Eskimos have spending two seasons for the team in 2014 and 2015 before again returning in 2017. He was cut by the team following training camp last month.

With the Eskimos in 2014 and 2015, Lawrence appeared in 33 games and rushed for 560 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries and caught 76 passes for 769 yards and five touchdowns. In 2015, the 5-foot-9, 195-pound back was second in the CFL in punt returns with 93 punt returns for 963 yards and one touchdown.

During 2016, Lawrence spent time in Hamilton and Saskatchewan appearing in 13 games and recording 37 rushes for 150 yards and one touchdown. He also caught 18 passes for 149 yards and 1076 return yards on 33 punts and 37 kickoff returns.

The Eskimos announced Monday that White, their starting running back going into the season, will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2017 season with a torn ACL. Travon Van is expected to handle starting running back duties in White’s absence.

Whatever the case, the Eskimos are off with a bye week until July 14, when they host the Ottawa REDBLACKS.