Eskimos release running back Cory Boyd, defensive back Ronnie Prude

EDMONTON – Cory Boyd’s tumultuous CFL season continues.

Boyd has been released from the Edmonton Eskimos, marking the second time this season that the running back has been cut loose.

The Eskimos picked up Boyd hours after he was released by the Toronto Argonauts on Aug. 12.

At the time of his surprise release form Toronto, Boyd was the league’s leading rusher with 447 yards and two touchdowns. But he ended up being the odd man out in a crowded Edmonton backfield and put up just 76 rushing yards with the Eskimos.

He joined an Edmonton team already boasting Hugh Charles, who is currently fifth in the league in rushing with 700 yards. The situation became further complicated when Jerome Messam returned to the team after being cut by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins shortly after Boyd’s arrival.

The writing may have been on the wall for Boyd when head coach Kavis Reed took over the offence last week and said Charles would be Edmonton’s starting running back.

The team also released defensive back Ronnie Prude.

“Today’s move is in no way a reflection of the calibre of play of these young men,” Reed said in a statement. “This is a consequence of the exceptionally high level of injuries we have sustained – double that of typical years – and this issue has a direct impact on our salary cap management. I thank Cory and Ronnie for their professionalism and contributions to the team this season.”