Blue Bombers get QB Matt Nichols in trade with Eskimos

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have given themselves a fighting chance to get back into the CFL playoff race by picking up veteran quarterbackMatt Nichols from the Edmonton Eskimos.

"Matt is a player with significant experience in this league. He has proven to be a solidified quarterback, and will come in and add immediate depth to this position on our roster," Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said in a press release.

• Blue Bombers' QB Drew Willy out at least 6-8 weeks

The six-year CFL veteran QB is headed to Winnipegin exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2017 CFL draft.

Nichols, 28,who hasbeen with the Eskimos for his entire CFL career, has completed 270of443 pass attemptsfor 3,386 yards and 19 touchdown passes. He has also rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns.

This season, he has completed 128of209 passes for 1,488 yards with eight touchdowns, going 5-2 as the starter.

The Bombers lost their starting QB Drew Willyon Aug. 9, when hesuffered a fracture to his shinbone,as well as a partial ligamenttear in his right knee, during a game in Hamilton.