CFL.ca Staff

WINNIPEG - Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce will be out indefinitely with a foot injury.  Pierce left Friday night's contest versus the Edmonton Eskimos in the first quarter after sustaining a hit and did not return. 

"We received confirmation late yesterday evening that Buck has sustained torn ligaments and a torn muscle in his left foot as a result of Friday’s game, said Winnipeg Blue Bombers Vice-President and General Manager of Football Operations Joe Mack. "Buck will be in a walking boot for at least the next week and we  have full confidence he will do everything in his power to be back on the field as quickly as possible."

Friday's game was the second in three weeks where Pierce exited early with an injury.  He has thrown for 327 yards this season, completing 24 of 40 passing attempts. He's scored a touchdown and has been intercepted three times. Pierce has also rushed eight times for 41 yards.

CFL.ca columnist Bob Irving weighed in on the issue, stating: “It is an unfortunate for Buck, in the latest series of strange injuries that he can't seem to avoid.  But for (Alex) Brink and (Joey) Elliott, this gives them a chance to see what they can do.

Remember, the club did make a strong effort to re-sign them.  LaPolice said you play that situation by ear but my guess is if you have a QB that is red-hot, you stick with him.  It is not a quarterback controversy yet but there might be one down the road.  Right now, Buck is still their guy but who knows what happens later.”

Pierce said all he knows is what he was told by the doctors, but he believes he might be able to be back in action a little sooner than four weeks.

"Players have come back quicker from it as well,'' he said.

Although the offence has struggled lately, coach Paul LaPolice says he believes Pierce provides the best chance the Bombers have of winning.

Backup Alex Brink will start Wednesday in Toronto against the Argonauts.

It's been a rough season for the Bombers overall, with a number of starters on the combined injured list including running back Chris Garrett, tackle Andre Douglas and slotback Cory Watson. All three have yet to see a game and Garrett won't, since he tore his left Achilles tendon during a practice in June.

There were a total of 13 players on the regular and nine-game injured list as of Tuesday. Pierce said it was the worst season he's seen for early injuries.

"It's been tough,'' he said. "It hasn't been easy for us.''