MIKE CASSESE
It took time and an old friend to do it but Kerry Joseph has been invited back to the Canadian Football League.
The Edmonton Eskimos announced Tuesday they had signed the Grey Cup-winning quarterback and former most outstanding player to a contract for this year and next because of an injury to their starting quarterback.
Ricky Ray was injured in Edmonton's win over the B.C. Lions and was unable to start last weekend's game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Backup Jared Zabransky got the call and went the distance in a key victory.
On Monday, the Eskimos issued a statement on Ray's condition saying he'd suffered a second degree strain of the serratus anterior muscle, which is the muscle that stabilizes the shoulder blade. The team said it was listing Ray's status as day to day.
Edmonton general manager Eric Tillman was the one to bring Joseph back to the CFL after he'd been released earlier this year by the Toronto Argonauts. Joseph had been working out and waiting for a call from someone.
Tillman said in a news release that Joseph would be flying into Edmonton on Wednesday and joining the team's practice roster. Edmonton will go with Zabransky this weekend against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with Jason Maas as the backup.
"Given the uncertainty of Ricky's status the next couple of weeks, and, after watching the nightmare quarterbacking scenario unfold in Winnipeg on Saturday, this is a recommendation I made to (Edmonton head coach ) Richie (Hall) this morning," Tillman explained. "We had discussed this as a 'what if' scenario a couple of weeks back, but, it became a very serious discussion today.
"Richie and I both are very pleased to add a proven veteran at such a critical position, especially at this time of the year. With fresh legs, a healthy body, and tons of playing experience in pressure packed games, Kerry has much to offer if he's called upon."
Joseph, 37, is an eight-year CFL veteran. Last season with Toronto, he passed for 2244 yards, 10 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also rushed 52 times for 302 yards and two touchdowns. The Louisiana native has been on the rosters of the Ottawa Renegades (2003-2005) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2006-2007). He helped the 'Riders win the 2007 Grey Cup.