Matt Smith/CFL.ca
WINNIPEG — Even though early reports indicated that Matt Nichols would get the green light for Sunday’s Western Semi-Final vs. Edmonton, his status remains in the air after being limited in practice on Wednesday.
According to a report from BlueBombers.com’s Ed Tait, Nichols started practice shadowing Dan LeFevour and Dominique Davis and then took a few hand-offs himself before stepping aside. LeFevour took over first team reps for the remainder of the practice.
Matt Nichols out watching practice for the #Bombers in his gear. Shadowing LeFevour and Davis. OL Travis Bond has hit helmet on, too, FYI
— Ed Tait (@EdTaitWFC) November 8, 2017
Matt Nichols now taking reps with the #Bombers offence. Strictly hand-offs at this point. Big news from Bomberland.
— Ed Tait (@EdTaitWFC) November 8, 2017
Matt Nichols now dons the toque as the #Bombers move into FG reps. Dan LeFevour and Dom Davis still in gear.
— Ed Tait (@EdTaitWFC) November 8, 2017
Dan LeFevour at the controls for #Bombers first-team O reps. Pat Neufeld at LG
— Ed Tait (@EdTaitWFC) November 8, 2017
Nichols suffered a lower body injury in the first quarter of the team’s Week 19 contest against the BC Lions on a non-contact play. He missed Winnipeg’s season finale against the Stampeders last week. Dan LeFevour started in his place and despite completing 76.5% of his passes, he only passed for 91 yards.
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Earlier in the week, it was reported that Nichols would be a go but the week of practice will be telling as game day looms.
The Bombers are preparing for their first home playoff game since 2011, trying to earn a ticket to the Western Final in Calgary next week.
Why is Nichols’ injury is so unpredictable?
Nobody is questioning how unfortunate the timing Nichols’ injury is for the Blue Bombers but what is even more bizzare is the way in which he injured himself — a non-contact play after throwing a pass against the Lions.
CFL.ca analyst Davis Sanchez is covering the Bombers ahead of the Western Semi this week and says that a left leg injury is critical to a quarterbacks mechanics.
“When a quarterback has to really step into a throw to to fit it in there is torque on your calf,” Sanchez explained. “Therefore trying to throw a ball with zip on your tip toes is not easy. There is going to come a time Sunday when Nichols really needs to rip a throw and it’s at that point when his calf is really going to be tested.”
