Eskimos release final cuts more than 12 hours after CFL-mandated deadline

TORONTO – The second time definitely wasn’t the charm for Cary Harris.

The defensive back was among the Edmonton Eskimos’ final cuts, the CFL club announced Sunday. Harris, a 2009 sixth-round draft pick of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, was let go by the Eskimos earlier during training camp, then re-signed, only to be released a second time.

Like all CFL teams, the Eskimos had to reduce their roster down to 46 players by 10 p.m. ET on Saturday night. However, Edmonton was the only league squad to release their final cuts Sunday.

Also among Edmonton’s final cuts were offensive linemen Taylor Servais, Carson Rockhill and Nick Cody, running backs Brett Haenni, Smith Wright and Kyle Exume, receivers Rico Wallace, Terrance Lewis and Ed Gant, defensive backs Hugo Lopez, Michael Ricks and Clint Kent, kicker-punter Tomas Silva and defensive lineman Lindsey Witten.

Clint was a four-year CFL veteran, having spent time previously with Montreal and Winnipeg before landing in Edmonton last season. He appeared in 70 career games, registering 197 tackles, one interception and six fumble recoveries while scoring two TDs.

Cody, a former Oregon Duck in his first CFL training camp, took to Twitter to discuss his situation.

“Well Canada, Edmonton, its been real… Real short, real shady, and most of all a real learning experience. Good luck to all my OL guys,” he tweeted.

The release of the six-foot-six, 284-pound Rockhill was a surprise considering Edmonton acquired his rights in February in a five-player trade with Hamilton, which selected the former Calgary Dinos player in the second round of the 2012 CFL draft.

The Montreal Alouettes also waited until Sunday to announce their final two cuts: cornerback Keynan Parker and receiver Wallace Wright. They also placed seven players on the one-game injured list, including fullback Patrick Lavoie and running back Jerome Messam and Brandon Whitaker, meaning they won’t be dressed for the club’s season-opening game Thursday night in Winnipeg.

The Blue Bombers put five players on the one-game injured list, including running back Chris Garrett, receiver Kito Poblah, defensive back Johnny Sears Jr., and defensive lineman Jake Thomas. Offensive lineman Tyson Pencer opens the season on the nine-game injured list.