RIDERS RETURN FROM BYE
The Roughriders returned from their bye week and held a rainy practice on Monday at Taylor Field. They began the day with a good news press release:
– The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced national offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte has signed an extension to remain with the team through 2017. As per club policy, financial details of the contract were not released.
LaBatte joined the Green and White as a free agent in February, 2012 after originally being selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the first round (6th overall) of the 2008 CFL Draft. The 30-year-old native of Weyburn, Saskatchewan has played 139 career regular season games, with 137 starts, appearing mainly at left guard.
The University of Regina product has played six CFL playoff games and two Grey Cup games, including the Riders 2013 championship.
Currently in his ninth year, LaBatte has picked up seven career Division All-Star nominations and four CFL All-Star nominations. He was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2013.
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The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the following roster moves:
ADD TO PRACTICE ROSTER:
· International defensive back Larry Raper (North Carolina A&T)
· International defensive lineman Ian Seau(Nevada)
· International defensive lineman Devaunte Sigler (Jacksonville State)
· International offensive lineman Aundrey Walker(Southern California)
· National running back Jordan Wilson-Ross(Ottawa)
RELEASE:
· International defensive back Derrius Brooks
· International defensive back Demetrice Morley
· International running back Josh Robinson
Labatte met with reporters and while he hasn’t yet returned to practice due to a head injury, he says hasn’t ruled out a return to game action this season.
New wide receiver Jeff Fuller practiced with the team for the first time since signing with the club on Saturday.
The former Calgary Stampeder was a recent cut of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. He said he thought he had a good camp in Seattle, but was among the first cuts.
Fuller said he signed with the Riders because they were the first to call, and that his agent advised Saskatchewan made the best offer. He said he’s not concerned with the club’s 3-10 record or their bleak outlook for the playoffs. He was just looking for a “good fit”.
He also said his close relationship with the Riders’ John Murphy was a big factor.
Quarterback Darian Durant said the bye week was a tough one for him. His uncle Michael Gordon (Darian’s mother’s brother) passed away from a heart attack at age 52 but Durant was pleased to be able to attend the funeral. Gordon was a frequent visitor to Roughriders games, even more than Durant’s mother.
Meanwhile Riders Head Coach & GM Chris Jones fielded several questions from reporters. Regarding the release of running back/returner Kendial Lawrence on Saturday, Jones said the move was strictly “production-based”.
The Riders’ next game is Friday night at Ottawa on 620 CKRM and TSN.
RP
@rodpedersen
Nice choice of picture!
Can we now stop criticizing Jones for not trying to improve the def. line?
Yes I agree. Real CLASSY Rod. Classy!
Seriously Pederson. What's up with that picture?
Prick of the week!
I thought a few weeks back and it was said on the sports cage that Labatt had a serious concussion and his career was likely done? Arash Madani was the source was he not? Or has he miraculously healed?
What improvement on the DLine ???????
The players signed have to prove they can do the job – so far nothing
Get real
Just like Jonea and jones lovers claiming Brooks and Morley were going to save the D when they were signed by Jones but as usual how did those Jones signings turn out ?
The elephant in the room remains the failure to conclude a new contract with Darian Durant. It is a bit concerning. It would seem to be job #1 on Jones to-do-list. The Riders cannot go into 2017 looking for a new QB to learn the system.
What is with you Jones haters? Every GM has signed players and then had to cut them this year, every other year, in future years, and in the NFL. But keep posting comments. It just shows everybody how frickin' stupid you are.
Should we be concern with another 5 players being signed…seems like a revolving door around here.
No, you need not be concerned. It's called " do whatever you can to improve ".
They signed 5 more players because the pr was increased by 5 players
The Boys are Back in Town – let's go PATS
Look for the Argos to go after Roosevelt in free agency. The Riders need to lock him up to a new deal asap!
If Jones cut Lawrence for "Production-based" reasons he was 10 games late making up his mind. I love my Roughriders but it's been a tough love for two different regimes.
So Labatte is going to play one game this season for $200,000 plus. Can't blame him I'd do the same thing.
It was nice to see that Jones finally figured out what all of Rider Nation has known from day 1 and finally sent Lawrence packing. He finally couldn't justify keeping him around any longer.
With the issues going on in TO,might be a good time to (trade a WR) pick up a Nat O lineman from them.
1.OL Nat Jamal Campbell
2.OL Nat Tyler Holmes
3.OL Nat Sean McEwen
4.OL Nat DJ Sackey
5.OL Nat Wayne Smith
6.OL Nat Cory Watman
Barker might be willing without bending us over again.
So a better option for Labatte would be to not sign him and let a star canadian o lineman to test free agency teams would be fighting over him.pay the man and bring him back for next year. canadian lineman as good as labatte dont fall off trees into peoples laps.
think about it….