Riders head coach Craig Dickenson wasn’t mincing words when he was asked Wednesday if he thinks the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be coming into Mosaic Stadium with something to prove.
I think they’re going to come out hard and they’re going to come out fighting.” Dickenson told reporters. “Our guys need to play fast and we need to be good from the start because I think Hamilton has something to prove. I think they need to come out fast and we need to match that intensity ourselves.
If the Riders are to be successful, they will have to try and contain the 2019 MOP, Brandon Banks, along with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. Both did not have solid debuts in the Ti-Cats opening week loss to Winnipeg. Defensive back Ed Gainey knows the defence will not only try to keep Banks neutralized for a second straight week, but do so while putting in a four-quarter performance after what was a bad second half in the 33-29 win over B.C
“It’s always bend but don’t break when you’re on defence,” Gainey said. “You’re going to give up some plays, so you just got to be resilient out there.”
NOTES: B.C linebacker Jordan Williams was fined on Wednesday for a hit to the head of Cody Fajardo. While the play was reviewed for a roughing the passer penalty, no penalty was called with the officiating crew saying Fajardo had become a runner after leaving the pocket.
Dickenson said if the league loosens some restrictions on Sunday as has been rumoured that offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte may be interested in returning. LaBatte decided in June to opt out of this season because of the restrictions placed on players away from the stadium.
After missing Saturday’s game with a hamstring injury, it looks like Justin McInnis could return to the roster as he was a full participant at practice for a second straight day. Offensive lineman Mattland Riley once again did not practice because of what the team on its injury report says is non-injury related.
