Reilly expects return to 'feel the same as any other football game'

CFL.ca Staff

EDMONTON — When Mike Reilly hears the whistle to signal the start of Week 2’s contest between the Edmonton Eskimos and his BC Lions, the thoughts of playing his old team will disappear.

“I expect it to feel the same as any other football game once they blow the whistle and the ball’s kicked off and we get back to playing,” Reilly told members of the media, standing field-level at Commonwealth Stadium on Thursday.

“I mean, I’ve got too many things to worry about as a quarterback in terms of what they’re doing defensively to worry about all of the other stuff.”

The chatter this week surrounding the Lions has been all about Reilly’s return to Edmonton, a place he spent six years of his CFL career. That’s in the past however, as the 34-year-old pivot is focused on his new colours.

The Lions dropped their season-opener last week against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and will be looking to improve to .500 with a win against the Esks on Friday night. The Lions will have to get their run game going early, balancing their attack against an Eskimos team that looked impressive in their first win of the season last week.

Reilly, known for his ability to use his legs to escape the pocket and run to extend plays, did not have a single rush attempt last week. While running back John White had just four carries for four yards.

But before he can forget about the talk surrounding his return, Reilly did take a second to admit it felt a little strange to be on the visitors side of things at his former home.

“It’s a little weird coming down the ramp to get in here and dropping stuff off in the visiting locker room,” he smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever really walked down the tunnel all the way down here for any real purpose.”

Kickoff between the Esks and Lions is at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Reilly expects return to ‘feel the same as any other football game’

The Canadian Press

CFL.ca Staff

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