-- The Edmonton Eskimos may be scrambling a little to fill spots in their defensive secondary Thursday evening, but head coach Danny Maciocia is determined he won't be caught short of capable bodies through the rest of the season.
The Eskimos brought in five-year CFL veteran defensive back Airabin Justin on Monday and even though he will have only two days of practice, he may end up on the playing roster Thursday when the Eskimos play host to the first-place Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium.
"We've got some injuries on the back end so we were looking for someone with CFL experience," Maciocia said of signing Justin, who played four years with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and last year with the Grey Cup champion Riders.
"He started 13 or 14 games last year and was their starting corner in the playoffs, including the Grey Cup game, so he's a proven commodity."
Asked the chances of Justin playing Thursday, Maciocia said it's something they're considering.
"We've got some guys who are nicked up, a couple of guys who may miss this contest Thursday, so we need a couple of guys who can play, who understand the CFL game and who understand the unlimited motion. We got ourselves someone who fits that mould."
Defensive back Jordan Younger is back practising and is expected to play after missing two games with a hamstring problem. But safety Trey Young suffered an ankle injury in Vancouver that will likely keep him out for the Saskatchewan game. Defensive back Jonte Buhl was back Monday. Halfback Keith Williams was a healthy scratch the last game.
Justin, who practised with the team Monday, said his readiness for Thursday is doubtful.
"We'll see. I just started to learn the plays. Two days of practice and that's it, so I'm not sure."
The Eskimos brought in five-year CFL veteran defensive back Airabin Justin on Monday and even though he will have only two days of practice, he may end up on the playing roster Thursday when the Eskimos play host to the first-place Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium.
"We've got some injuries on the back end so we were looking for someone with CFL experience," Maciocia said of signing Justin, who played four years with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and last year with the Grey Cup champion Riders.
"He started 13 or 14 games last year and was their starting corner in the playoffs, including the Grey Cup game, so he's a proven commodity."
Asked the chances of Justin playing Thursday, Maciocia said it's something they're considering.
"We've got some guys who are nicked up, a couple of guys who may miss this contest Thursday, so we need a couple of guys who can play, who understand the CFL game and who understand the unlimited motion. We got ourselves someone who fits that mould."
Defensive back Jordan Younger is back practising and is expected to play after missing two games with a hamstring problem. But safety Trey Young suffered an ankle injury in Vancouver that will likely keep him out for the Saskatchewan game. Defensive back Jonte Buhl was back Monday. Halfback Keith Williams was a healthy scratch the last game.
Justin, who practised with the team Monday, said his readiness for Thursday is doubtful.
"We'll see. I just started to learn the plays. Two days of practice and that's it, so I'm not sure."
