October 25, 2014: Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Toronto Argonauts

[Argo]

For all the injury talk this season the thing that doesn't get talked about enough is how the injuries to Durie and Coombs have effected the lineup week in and week out. With those two Canadians done for the year any injury to another Canadian (like this one to Van Zeyl) forces changes elsewhere just to get the ratio right.

Coombs has been gone for so long, I'd virtually forgotten about him!


It certainly feels like there has been an unusually high number of injuries on the team this season (I haven't looked at multi-season statistics). Injuries, plus the ownership and venue stressors, have made for a challenging season to say the least.

[Wobbler]

Without CVZ I think it's safe to assume that Bradwell will be starting this week, probably in Mann's spot. Brazill actually looked pretty good out wide, and I'd keep him there.

[AngeloV]

Without CVZ I think it's safe to assume that Bradwell will be starting this week, probably in Mann's spot. Brazill actually looked pretty good out wide, and I'd keep him there.

I would start Matt Black on the corner before taking out an import (I refuse to use the term international) receiver. Herbert can then back up at both safety and corner if need be.

[ArgoRavi]

I would start Matt Black on the corner before taking out an import (I refuse to use the term international) receiver. Herbert can then back up at both safety and corner if need be.

AV, I am afraid that is not an option as Black is gone for the season with a broken arm.

[AngeloV]

AV, I am afraid that is not an option as Black is gone for the season with a broken arm.

What? When did this happen? Just checked the roster on the team's web page. He's on the active roster and not any of the injured lists.

[gilthethrill]

What? When did this happen? Just checked the roster on the team's web page. He's on the active roster and not any of the injured lists.

I think Frank Z mentioned Blacks injury in Tuesdays column. I don't know what happened. As for the roster, I expect it will be updated tomorrow when the depth chart gets unveiled. Huge loss for sure.

[ArgoRavi]

I think Frank Z mentioned Blacks injury in Tuesdays column. I don't know what happened. As for the roster, I expect it will be updated tomorrow when the depth chart gets unveiled. Huge loss for sure.

That is where I saw the info on Black's injury. It caught me by surprise too.

[MEEZY]

The injuries have been really baffling this year. Earlier, I suggested that they may be attributed to some underlying cause, but many on here think it's just bad luck or certain players (Durie, Owens) tend to be injury prone. I'm not sure what to think. Maybe it's the fact that their practice facilities are inadequate? Maybe it's the style of play that Milanovich encourages? Poor conditioning? I'm inclined to think that something, other than bad luck, has to be at the root of this.

[ArgoGabe22]

Some minor injuries may be due to a lack of rest, rushing back too soon but most if not all major injuries were a result of physical contact. Black's hand, Durie and Coombs, Owens getting hit low by Grimes etc. Turf is turf, everyone is using it so I wouldn't blame the facility.

[Neely2005]

Some minor injuries may be due to a lack of rest, rushing back too soon but most if not all major injuries were a result of physical contact. Black's hand, Durie and Coombs, Owens getting hit low by Grimes etc. Turf is turf, everyone is using it so I wouldn't blame the facility.

Turf is not turf. They're many different kinds of turf and under padding.

[ArgofanIan]

calling all ARRGO fans.... if your blood is blue... we need you at this game.... if the sound of an "Oski Wee wee".... causes you distress..... We need you at this game..... we need everyone to row together so we can sail to the grey cup ..... and get these cats.... by the tail..... Go ARRRRRRRRgoSSSSSSSS !!!!!

[AngeloV]

The injuries have been really baffling this year. Earlier, I suggested that they may be attributed to some underlying cause, but many on here think it's just bad luck or certain players (Durie, Owens) tend to be injury prone. I'm not sure what to think. Maybe it's the fact that their practice facilities are inadequate? Maybe it's the style of play that Milanovich encourages? Poor conditioning? I'm inclined to think that something, other than bad luck, has to be at the root of this.

Injuries are up all across the league, and to take it a step further, I have never seen so many early season ending injuries in the NFL as I have this season either. Interesting that you mention conditioning. Both the CFLPA and NFLPA have demanded and received less practice hours in their recent CBA's. Wonder if that does anything to the frame of mind of a player. They may be receiving hits that they just don't see coming due to lack of contact in practice.

[ArgoGabe22]

Turf is not turf. They're many different kinds of turf and under padding.

I doubt Downsview installed old Astroturf from the 70's underneath 25 layers of concrete.

UTM was natural grass so you could argue the move to turf may be an underlying cause but I would think more for injuries in the leg or knee. Kackert's injuries for example may have been worse because of his footing.

I think AV has a good point with conditioning and lack of contact in practices.

[Wobbler]

So, Bradwell isn't starting after all. Instead, we get our seventh national by starting Miles at WILL LB instead of Jones.

Depth chart

Robinson is off the IR to resume duties at DB (replacing McCollough), and new guy Dowtin is dressing as a backup LB. Oh, and Watt is back on the 46 but is not listed as a starter. Huh. I can't remember the last time we did that.

[Neely2005]

That is where I saw the info on Black's injury. It caught me by surprise too.

They just resigned Matt Black:

http://www.argonauts.ca/article/argo...att-black-2014

[ArgoRavi]

So, Bradwell isn't starting after all. Instead, we get our seventh national by starting Miles at WILL LB instead of Jones.

Depth chart

Robinson is off the IR to resume duties at DB (replacing McCollough), and new guy Dowtin is dressing as a backup LB. Oh, and Watt is back on the 46 but is not listed as a starter. Huh. I can't remember the last time we did that.

The sense I got from Zicarelli's latest article is that there will be a fair bit of shuffling going on during the game to adhere to the ratio. Ivan Brown is listed as a starter for the first time this season. I expect that we will see a lot of Anthony Woodson tomorrow as well.

[Will]

I guess the decision was either continue to have Bradwell in the receiving corps, where I'm sorry he isn't suited for this offense, or take out Jones?

[gilthethrill]

Greg Jones has been our best defensive player recently. Will he even dress?

[AngeloV]

I think you'll still see a lot of Jones. Currently have 8 non imports starting on the depth chart. guessing the plan is to play Jones in when Ivan Brown is on the field and Miles when Whiteside is on the field.

[gilthethrill]

I think you'll still see a lot of Jones. Currently have 8 non imports starting on the depth chart. guessing the plan is to play Jones in when Ivan Brown is on the field and Miles when Whiteside is on the field.

OK, that is good news....you are one of the calming influences on this forum AV....