Eskimos sign veteran Canadian Football League running back
The Edmonton Eskimos are looking to a former 1,000-yard rusher to kick-start their running game. The CFL club announced Thursday it has agreed to contract terms with free-agent running back Michael Jenkins, who ran for more than 1,000 yards twice with the Toronto Argonauts.
The addition of Jenkins certainly fills a need for Edmonton. The Eskimos boast the CFL's most potent passing attack with quarterback Ricky Ray and receivers Jason Tucker and Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell but are eighth in the league in rushing, averaging just 61.5 yards per game.
In fact, the Eskimos have scored just five rushing touchdowns all season, four by Ray alone. Ron McClendon is the club's rushing leader with 162 yards, with Ray standing second with 142 yards. McClendon is currently on Edmonton's injured list.
Shoring up the running attack has been a priority for Edmonton since Mike Pringle, the CFL's career rushing leader, retired in the off-season.
The five-foot-eight, 208-pound Jenkins joins the Eskimos after being released from Montreal's practice roster earlier this month. The former University of Arkansas star signed with the Alouettes after missing the entire 2004 season due to an ankle injury.
Jenkins broke into the CFL with Toronto in 2000 when he rushed for 1,050 yards on 271 carries. In 2001, he recorded 1,484 rushing yards and 361 receiving yards for eight touchdowns.
After spending 2002 in the Houston Texans camp, he rejoined the Argos in 2003, recording 814 yards and six touchdowns.
Edmonton hosts Montreal at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night but Jenkins won't be in uniform to face his former team.
The addition of Jenkins certainly fills a need for Edmonton. The Eskimos boast the CFL's most potent passing attack with quarterback Ricky Ray and receivers Jason Tucker and Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell but are eighth in the league in rushing, averaging just 61.5 yards per game.
In fact, the Eskimos have scored just five rushing touchdowns all season, four by Ray alone. Ron McClendon is the club's rushing leader with 162 yards, with Ray standing second with 142 yards. McClendon is currently on Edmonton's injured list.
Shoring up the running attack has been a priority for Edmonton since Mike Pringle, the CFL's career rushing leader, retired in the off-season.
The five-foot-eight, 208-pound Jenkins joins the Eskimos after being released from Montreal's practice roster earlier this month. The former University of Arkansas star signed with the Alouettes after missing the entire 2004 season due to an ankle injury.
Jenkins broke into the CFL with Toronto in 2000 when he rushed for 1,050 yards on 271 carries. In 2001, he recorded 1,484 rushing yards and 361 receiving yards for eight touchdowns.
After spending 2002 in the Houston Texans camp, he rejoined the Argos in 2003, recording 814 yards and six touchdowns.
Edmonton hosts Montreal at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night but Jenkins won't be in uniform to face his former team.
posted by kevin at
9:10 AM
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