Bombers' Pierce out at least a week

Buck Pierce's history of injury has caught up to him again.

The first-year Winnipeg Blue Bombers' quarterback will miss at least next weekend's game against the Edmonton Eskimos after suffering a Week 3 strained right knee in Hamilton.

That puts the controls in the hands of Steven Jyles, who also came into town this off-season from five years as a backup in Saskatchewan.

Known around his former home with the B.C. Lions as "the walking bruise," Pierce has suffered a series of injuries and concussions during his CFL career going back to 2005.

"The knee was sore after the game [in Hamilton on Friday] and in the morning, but I am relieved because it could've been worse," Pierce told the Bombers' web site. "I'm looking forward to getting back out there as soon as possible."

Pierce, who plays with reckless abandon, was having an excellent start to his first year in Manitoba, including 366 yards and two touchdowns against Toronto in Week 2 — earning league offensive player honours.

Jyles made one start with the Riders in his career.

"You never want to see a player go down and Buck's done a great job for us so far this season," Jyles said. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to come in and get us back into the win column."

Winnipeg has lost two straight after an opening week win. The team faces the 0-3 Eskimos at home on Saturday evening.