Jason Tucker sustained a fractured and dislocated vertebra. (Jimmy Jeong/Canadian Press)

He wears a neck brace instead of a helmet and remains on the sidelines when the offence trots onto the field.

Instead of coming up with key catches for the Edmonton Eskimos' offence, Jason Tucker is now delivering inspiration to the club's receiving corps.

"Tuck is a calming voice, a wealth of knowledge that can be tapped into at any point," said Eskimos veteran slotback Kamau Peterson. "He has really helped in the development of guys like Fred Stamps, Kelly Campbell and Maurice Mann.

"These guys all know Tuck, are very familiar with him and respect him a great deal so when he speaks, they listen. It has gone a long ways in terms of imparting what it is that we, as Eskimos, bring to the table and what we are.

"I can't say enough about what his presence has meant."

Tucker suffered a fractured and dislocated vertebra after colliding with Hamilton's Jykine Bradley in a 19-13 road win over the Tiger-Cats on July 25. The 2003 Grey Cup MVP left the field in an ambulance and was taken to a hospital, where it was discovered that fortunately he hadn't damaged his spinal cord.

But the seventh-year Eskimo did require season-ending surgery. He's expected to make a full and complete recovery, but the two-time Grey Cup champion and CFL all-star isn't likely to ever play football again.

Yet instead of retreating to his ranch in Texas, the married father of three young daughters made an emotional return to Edmonton on July 31, watching from the press box as the Eskimos beat B.C. 35-24. During the game, several Esks players lifted up their green jerseys to show white T-shirts with Tucker's No. 83 underneath.

On Saturday, Tucker, sporting a neck brace, was on the club's sideline for its 29-21 East Division semifinal victory over Winnipeg at Canad Inns Stadium.

"It's almost like having another coach and someone that's clearly well respected by his peers and been a positive addition on our sidelines," Eskimos coach Danny Maciocia said. "Obviously he's a member of our football team and a tremendous leader."

The Eskimos are blessed to have two all-star receivers on their sidelines to offer advice to young players. Ed Hervey, a three-time Grey Cup champion with Edmonton, is now a scout with the CFL team.

"I think having those two brings a sense of calmness," Maciocia said. "It also gives an opportunity for some of our young guys to walk up to them and talk to them throughout the course of a football game."

'Kelly possesses the same dynamic'

Losing a three-time 1,000-yard receiver and the Eskimos' top pass-catching threat could've been devastating for the team. But Peterson (101 receptions, 1,317 yards, four touchdowns) stepped up as CFL passing leader Ricky Ray's favourite target while Campbell (54 catches, 1,223 yards, 22.6-yard average, seven touchdowns) has been impressive taking Tucker's spot in the lineup. Sophomore Stamps (50 catches, 751 yards, six touchdowns) and former Washington Redskins Mann (31 catches, 420 yards, four touchdowns) have also contributed.

Peterson, the West Division's outstanding Canadian nominee, said he sees a lot of Tucker in Campbell, with his ability to turn short to medium catches into long, long gains.

"There are a lot of similarities in that you have to account for these two players at all times," Peterson said. "Any time they get the ball, they can outrun angles, they can flop the field immediately or go to the house themselves.

"While it's difficult, if not impossible, to replace what Jason Tucker brings as a total package, Kelly possesses the same dynamic in terms of being a straight playmaker."

Peterson pointed out how deep Edmonton's receiving corps would be with a healthy Tucker.

"When Tuck was in there, Kelly was our fifth receiver," he said. "You could only imagine the corps we'd have if Tuck didn't go down.

"But it shows the talent level we have and a credit to the guys that they've stepped up."

Maciocia said the Eskimos simply don't know if Tucker will ever suit up again and aren't about to rush him into a decision.

"Jason has not spoken to us about it and right now, what he wants to do is hopefully enjoy the next couple of weeks with the club," said Maciocia. "I would think there will be some dialogue in the New Year.

"Ultimately, I think Jason is going sit down with his family and discuss it in detail before we have our conversation."

Maciocia said of paramount importance, to him and to the Eskimos, is that Tucker enjoys a healthy and carefree life, with or without football.

"He's done so much," Maciocia said. "He's got a business back at home; he's done very well for himself.

"He's been the MVP in a Grey Cup game, he's won a couple of championship rings. If he decides this is it, he can say, 'Mission accomplished.'"