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Winnipeg Blue Bombers' quarterback Buck Pierce (4) speaks with media following practice in Winnipeg, Friday, November 18th, 2011. The Bombers are preparing to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Sunday in the East Final. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Trevor HaganTrevor Hagan/The Canadian Press

Buck Pierce is back in charge after officially being handed back the reins of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers offence.

The seven-year quarterback has had no problems with a sprained knee this week and will start Sunday when the Bombers host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL East Division final.

"The knee's good, the knee's fine. No worries at all right now," Pierce said after Friday's practice.

"Now it's a new season and new goals right now. I'm just excited to be in this place right now."

Pierce missed Winnipeg's (10-8) final regular-season game on Nov. 5 after he injured his knee Oct. 28 against Toronto.

The extra time the bye week gave him to heal was a bonus, but he's been wearing a brace on his right knee for added protection.

"The progress is great," he said. "I've been able to do everything all week. I feel confident in my game and everything that I can do."

Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice didn't show any concerns about whether Pierce was fit enough to face the Ticats (8-10) for his third career playoff start.

"Watching him this week, he's located the ball fine, he's been able to move fine," LaPolice said.

Pierce has started a career-high 16 games this season and was at the helm for Winnipeg's 3-0 season series sweep of the Tiger-Cats.

"He certainly has played well against this football team and we've got to get him to do it one more time," LaPolice said.

Alex Brink, who was under centre for Winnipeg's 30-24 season-ending loss to Calgary, will back up Pierce.

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