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SURREY, B.C. -- Angus Reid has always been willing to bend over backwards -- and forwards -- for the B.C. Lions. Literally. But years of bending, sometimes awkwardly, will prevent the veteran centre from suiting up Friday in his teams CFL season opener in Calgary against the Stampeders. Reid is suffering from a jammed sacroiliac, or SI, joint and a torn ligament in his lower back. His return date is uncertain. "Its from doing what Ive done a long time in my life -- being in that squat position and taking pounding," said Reid, 36, who has spent his entire 13-year CFL career with the Lions. "Its a shocking thing that it hasnt happened to me earlier in my career." Reid has played in all of the Lions regular-season and playoff games over the past three years. He has only missed two games -- in 2009 -- since his rookie season in 2001, when he played just four games with Montreal and B.C. The Richmond, B.C., native, who has endured numerous injuries while often playing in pain, practised Wednesday, but agreed with the coaching staffs decision to give his aching back a chance to heal. "Its a long season," said Reid, who missed most of training camp and B.C.s two pre-season games. "I dont think anyone wants to risk putting (me) out there too early and risk doing more damage." As a result, second-year pro Matt Norman, who was to be groomed slowly as Reids eventual replacement, will start much sooner than expected. "It speeds up the process," said Reid. "I came into the season fully wanting to make the transition happen, and here we are doing it. Im not sitting here saying Im not going to play football anymore. Ill be back at some point this season. I dont know when." Norman, a guard in a 2012 rookie season who was split between the CFL and his teaching studies at the University of Western Ontario, only started to learn the craft of hiking the ball shortly before training camp. Reid, coach Mike Benevides and quarterback Travis Lulay all say Norman has been a quick student while learning the difficult task of calling plays for the offensive linemen while also snapping the ball during the two pre-season games. "Theres a lot of data," said Benevides. "Theres a lot of information. Physically, hes done an outstanding job. Cerebrally, its getting better for him because he gets to see the (defensive) looks now that he gets to concentrate on the opponent." Norman says his most difficult task has been learning the playbook. "Im just trying to get really comfortable with it -- out of the practice, outside of the game -- and then try to execute as well as I can when I step out on to the field," said the 25-year-old, who will also snap on field goals. But he will not be the only young Lions player in a vital role due to injury against the Stampeders, who upset favoured B.C. in last years West Division final. Veteran kicker Paul McCallum remains sidelined with a groin injury suffered in warmup before the final pre-season game. As a result, Hugh ONeill will finally get to kick in a CFL regular-season game after serving as McCallums understudy for the past two years. "Its awesome -- Im definitely looking forward to it," said ONeill. "Its been a long time coming. Im just looking forward to helping the team out as best I can. The last little while, its been in practice. Hopefully, now, I can do it in a game." Benevides and general manager Wally Buono planned to have McCallum, 43, and ONeill, 23, share the kicking duties this season. Depending on the length of his hiatus, McCallum, who is in his 21st CFL season, will focus on field goals while his protege takes care of kick-offs. Punting duties have yet to be finalized. ONeill is keen to handle all three duties against the Stampeders. "Ive always viewed myself as an all-around kicker/punter," he said. "I try and make myself as proficient as possible in all three facets. Pre-season was great, because I got the chance to do all three for both games." In the first exhibition contest, when McCallum was rested, ONeill went 5-for-5 and booted the winning field goal in poor weather conditions in Calgary. He did not attempt any three-pointers in a loss to Edmonton in the second pre-season game. The Lions might also have to do without another key veteran on defence. Middle linebacker Solomon Elimimians status is questionable due to an ankle injury. If he cant go, Anton McKenzie will take his place in the lineup. "Were going to see what kind of team weve got right away," said Benevides. "Were just going to challenge our depth, but I feel very good about that. I think thats where one of the strengths of our club lies." Cheap NFL Jerseys China . 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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Eli Mannings passing yards are down in his past few games.Manning has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in each of his past three starts. He has completed just 56 of 94 passes. In that span, he has thrown six touchdowns and three interceptions.Is it a slump? Perhaps a downslide for the 35-year-old veteran?Manning would hear none of that Tuesday, two days after his team used devastating defense and a clutch, 61-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Odell Beckham Jr. for a 10-7 victory over Dallas.I know I can make plays, Manning said. I know I can get hot. I have to keep working. Im confident that I can go out there and have a big game.Manning said he has not been at his best the past three games. He has overthrown some open receivers and underthrown others.?On the season, Manning has thrown 13 interceptions and lost four fumbles.I have to play better, he said. I know that. I have to find completions and protect the ball better. I have to find completions, score points and hopefully win. I know we have to clean some things up.Manning said he felt fine physically.I feel good, he said. I am healthy. I know that people are going to criticize me, but Im my own worst critic. I just have to do my job and prepare each week.The Giants (9-4) have a crucial game against the Detroit Lions (9-4) at home on Sunday. The Giants have used a strong defensive efffort to win seven of their past eight games.ddddddddddddut when the season began, the Giants offense was expected to carry the team. The running game is among the worst in the NFL, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. That has put even more pressure on the shoulders of the quarterback.Manning knows his play is even more important when the temperatures dip. In the past, Manning has played well in frigid temperatures.I know that we have some cold weather games coming up, Manning said. We have to be able to score some points. Weve had some good games, some explosive games in the past.Weve just had some unfortunate plays of late. I know Ive missed Odell a play here and there. But these problems are easily fixable. We can have a great game plan and then make the plays that are there.Manning was asked if he was under duress because of the struggles of the offensive line.Theyre hanging in there, he said. Theyre tough. Theyre going to give us the opportunity to make plays as long as I make great decisions.I think offensively we can get things going. In this business, you definitely look at your play and performance. You feel better if you play better.Manning knows he has to do one thing better: I have to protect the ball. Thats the main thing. ' ' '