WEDNESDAY RIDER PRACTICE UPDATE
Here are some notes:
1 – Head Coach & GM Chris Jones announced CB Kacey Rodgers and LB Sam Eguavoen will both miss Friday’s home game against Ottawa due to injury. They’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Chris Lyles and Jeff Knox Jr.
2 – Friday’s game will be the home debut of running back Trent Richardson. The former NFL first round draft pick had 20 yards on five carries at Toronto in his CFL debut on Saturday.
“I’m starting to figure it out,” Richardson said. “It’s a way different league. Your receivers are your bread and butter here. When we get a chance, we’ll run the ball. When we do run it, we’ll run it hard. You do see the difference here, but you’ve just gotta respect it.”
3 – Richardson was asked how he’s settling into his new football home but said he hasn’t really experienced a lot other than going bowling. “I’m pretty much a homebody,” Richardson said.
4 – The Riders carry a two-game win streak into Friday’s contest and are still fine-tuning their game in advance of an expected playoff run. Receiver Bakari Grant said there’s still plenty to work on despite the fact they’ve won six of their past eight games.
“Running the ball, I think across the board whether it be offense or defense,” Grant said. “Eliminating those mistakes that keep drives going for the opposite team and stop drives for us. Pre-snap penalties and things like that.”
5 – Saskatchewan beat Ottawa 18-17 two weeks ago at TD Place stadium but this time the RedBlacks will have start quarterback Trevor Harris under centre. The Edinboro product missed that Week 15 game due to injury.
“Trevor’s a tremendous quarterback. He was with us in Toronto. He’s been very well-schooled. The offensive staff in Ottawa does an outstanding job of getting people open for him. They’ve certainly got tons of weapons there.”
6 – The 2017 CFL Trade Deadline passed at 2:00 pm Sask Time on Wednesday with no trades.
RP
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