ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA — The Argos lost another promising player to retirement today when rookie import RB DeCori Birmingham decided to hang-up his cleats to be at home with his family. Jim Barker made the announcement following morning practice.
Argos TV spoke with Carpenter about making the adjustment to DB as well as his relationship with Coach Jim Barker. Click here to watch video.
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The Double Blue practiced in full pads in a driving rain again today. Once again, the practice was spirited and mid-way through it became full contact. Players were careful not to injure their teammates but there were still some quick and heavy hits.
With Birmingham gone, running backs Jeff Johnson and Bryan Crawford split all of the reps from the backfield. Johnson made a great over-the-shoulder catch down the sidelines and Crawford ran hard all day long, regularly converted first downs. When asked about the import running back situation, specifically that the team has none left in camp anymore, coach Barker simply replied, “I’m thankful to have non-import veterans Jeff Johnson and Bryan Crawford who are both doing a tremendous job.”
CB Byron Parker had another big day. He made several interceptions and repeatedly pinned receivers hard to the ground. Early on in practice, one receiver was thankful that full contact hadn’t started yet. #21 DB Lin-J Shell zeroed in on his route and likely would have ended the player’s day had he been able to follow through and lay the hit on the unaware ball catcher. The defence erupted with cheers.
Second-year receiver #84 Chad Lucas continues to be an unlikely source of sideline fodder for fans and teammates. As the team lined up early on, he marched the sideline calling, “That’s right little man! You use that little man syndrome to get the job done.” It’s still unclear who his calls were directed towards.
SB/RB Andre Durie has missed the past few days with a stomach virus but was back on the field for afternoon practice. Morning practice ended, once again, with the team practising special teams.
NOTES: #36 DB Alphonso Hodge, #35 LB Kevin Eiben, #56 Rob Murphy, #11 CB Delroy Clarke and #58 OL Scott Evans all missed morning practice with injuries. #41 LB Tang Bacheyie replaced Eiben and #63 OL Shannon Boatman replaced Murphy at left tackle. Hodge was once again replaced by #27 Sammy Joseph. The Argonauts would also like to wish defensive backs coach Orlondo Steinauer and manager of CFL.ca, Jaime Stein, a very happy birthday.
The players are back at Huron Park from 8:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Thursday morning.