RIDERS MOVE DAY 1 INDOORS
The Saskatchewan Roughriders held Day 1 of their practice week indoors at the Credit Union Eventplex on Wednesday as they prepare for Sunday’s CFL Eastern Semifinal at Ottawa.
Head Coach and GM Chris Jones said they moved practice indoors because the players needed to run, stretch their legs, and get quality work in. It was -15 degrees Celsius in Regina on Wednesday with the wind chill.
The Riders had all of their running backs in uniform, including Cameron Marshall, Trent Richardson, Kienan LaFrance, Greg Morris and Marcus Thigpen. However Jones warned that although Richardson was on the field, he’s not 100% after sustaining a lower body injury two weeks ago.
With lineman Brendon Labatte recovering from a leg injury suffered last week against Edmonton, Derek Dennis played Labatte’s Left Guard spot. Jones said they do not have an update on Labatte, and will know more on Thursday.
As for Dennis, he’s not sure if he’ll start Sunday against the RedBlacks.
“I would hope so, but I’m not expecting anything,” Dennis told reporters. “At the end of the day it’s not my decision. It’s the coaching staff’s decision. My job as a football player is just to be ready to play.”
Quarterback Kevin Glenn will start Sunday’s game and as a veteran of 17 seasons, he’s been through plenty of playoff wars. However his counterpart – Trevor Harris of the RedBlacks – will be making his first post-season start.
“The nerves are gonna be there (for him),” Glenn smiled. “It’s gonna be a lot of excitement, and a lot of anxiety. I can almost guarantee you he’ll be very anxious to get the game going. He probably won’t be able to sleep the night before.”
As for Jones, he’s confident in his 10-8 Riders as they prepare to visit the 8-9-1 RedBlacks.
“One game is what our focus is,” Jones shrugged. “I am confident with this football team. I like this football team. I like our character makeup. I like our athleticism. So we just gotta go over there and play our A-game.”
The Riders will hold a closed practice on Thursday at Mosaic Stadium.
Kickoff on Sunday is noon Sask Time on TSN and the 620 CKRM Rider Radio Network.
RP
@rodpedersen
