Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Chris Garrett suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg at practice Tuesday and is lost for the season.
The third-year back fell to the turf after catching a pass and trying to cut underneath a would-be tackler. He couldn’t put any weight on his left leg as he was helped into the cart, and was spotted on crutches as he left the Bombers facility after the two-hour workout.
It looked like Garrett turned his ankle when trying to cut on the Canad Inns Stadium turf. The club issued a statement about the injury Tuesday afternoon.
"We are extremely disappointed after hearing the news from the doctors about how serious Chris’ injury exactly is," Bombers GM Joe Mack said in the release. "It is unfortunate for the club, but also for Chris as he was someone who was looking forward to being a big part of our offence this season.
"Chris is a tough young man who will overcome this and we wish him a quick recovery."
With backup running back Chad Simpson also dealing with a lower leg injury (he missed his second straight practice Tuesday), the Bombers running back duties look to fall to Bloi-Dei Dorzon in the season-opener against the B.C Lions (Friday, 9 p.m.).
Dorzon, who was added to the practice roster after failing to make the club out of training camp, took the sudden promotion in stride Tuesday.
"If I’m needed to step up, I’m ready," Dorzon said.
"Out of the backs we had, (Dorzon) performed just as well as everybody else – if not better than all the guys in pre-season," Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice said. "If that’s any indication, I think he’s ready to step in."
LaPolice said Simpson has not officially been ruled out for the B.C. game.
And just like that, the Bombers are in big trouble in the backfield.
The only other tailback on the Winnipeg roster is rookie Canadian Anthony Woodson. Second-year Bomber Carl Volny, who's getting back from a torn ACL last season, is on the one-game injured list and cannot come off that list until after the Lions game.
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