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The young stud is struggling just a bit. After a great training camp - when the Eskimos coaching staff and media raved about him - rookie linebacker Ray Perryman has a hit a rough patch.
While he still has a role in certain areas of the Eskimos' overall game plan, it doesn't appear he will be a starter anywhere in the linebacking core on Saturday in Saskatchewan. After being removed from SAM-linebacker in favour of veteran Shannon Garrett in the fourth quarter last week, it seems Edmonton is sticking with that plan.
"We noticed that Ray was struggling a little bit with (Andy) Fantuz (Rider receiver last Friday) and we decided to put Shannon there - give us a little more experience," explained Maciocia.
"We knew that he would be able to handle Fantuz.
"Ray is still a pretty good football player and he is going to be in the lineup this week and we are going to have him out there in certain packages.
"We have no problems turning back and letting Ray go back in there and play SAM-backer."
Perryman took three penalties in the first half - all in pass coverage - last Friday. That also didn't help his cause.
A straight-up player in the locker-room, though, Perryman is handling everything in stride.
"You got to be a man," said Perryman. "You have to accept the good and the bad. If you dwell on the past, you aren't ever going to get better.
"You got to live every day like it is your last.
"You got to deal with it."
FINISH LINES ...
Ironically, it appears Fantuz will be demoted this week, losing his starting receiving job in Regina.
