Receiver’s return a boost
OFFENCE: Collie gives quarterback Jennings another deep threat
It would seem Jonathon Jennings will have Austin Collie to call upon when the B.C. Lions host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Collie (knee) had considerable jump in his step at practice Wednesday and coach Jeff Tedford sounded positive about the possibility of the veteran receiver suiting up at B.C. Place Saturday (4 p.m., TSN/TSN 1040) after sitting out the past two games. Collie, the former NFLer, leads the Lions in touchdown catches (six) this season.
His return would be a boost to Jennings, the rookie quarterback who gets his second straight start as the Lions (4-8) look to end a three-game losing skid. Saskatchewan (2-11) is coming off a 33-21 win over the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday.
“He practised well. I don’t think he has any ill effects right now. He’s moving well, running fine,” Tedford said of Collie Wednesday.
“He did a really nice job of rehabilitation work. He worked really, really hard to be ahead of schedule and ready to play.”
Collie, 29, is third on the Lions in receptions (32) and reception yardage (338). Marco Iannuzzi, 28, started in his place Saturday and finished with two catches for 47 yards, including a nifty, diving snag for a 15-yard touchdown that gave B.C. a 23-7 third-quarter lead on the road over the Edmonton Eskimos. Edmonton rallied to win 29-23. The return to practice of quarterback Travis Lulay (knee) will increase the focus on Jennings. Jennings, 23, was quoted as saying this week: “This is still Travis’ team.”
Jennings was 18-of-30 for 281 yards against Edmonton, with two touchdowns and one interception. He had come off the bench against the Calgary Stampeders on the road the week before and went 15-of-27 for 252 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions.
“In both the last two games, he did some good things,” Tedford said of Jennings.
“He played tough teams on the road and handled things nicely. He threw some good balls. He managed the game better last week than the first week as far as turnovers are concerned.
“He’s a young guy. He’s really poised, he’s really confident and he prepares really well. He’s going to continue to improve with each experience.”
As well, Tommy Draheim (ankle) was back at left tackle with the first unit Wednesday. The 26-year-old started the first seven games of the season before getting hurt in the Aug. 15 road game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“Anything is possible at this time,” Tedford said of whether Draheim would get the call against Saskatchewan.
“With guys who are coming off injury, there are a lot of things you work on through the week at practice to see how they feel.”
Josh Aladenoye, 25, has been starting at left tackle.