In the early stages of the Canadian Football League (CFL) regular season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-1) depth will be tested as they get set to host the Edmonton Elks (0-4).
Yesterday, Head Coach Craig Dickenson made his weekly appearance on the SportsCage with Michael Ball and provided an update on the team’s health situation heading into Thursday’s contest.
Safety Jayden Dalke has been on the field this week after missing the Roughriders Week 3 contest. Dickenson anticipates getting Dalke back in the lineup.
“He’s had two good days at practice, hopefully more and he should be good to go.”
One player who could miss this weeks game is wide receiver Jake Wieneke. The Roughriders head coach stated that the team is still gathering information on the injury to the receiver.
“He (Wieneke) feels pretty good, but there’s a little bit going on in there.”
Dickenson added that he’s unsure of the receiver’s status.
“I don’t know if he plays this week, it might be a 1-2 week injury, he might a little longer.”
Along with the wear and tear from on the field, a couple of the Saskatchewan players are battling an illness this week. On the injury report after Monday’s practice, offensive tackle Colin Kelly, long snapper Jorgen Hus and linebacker T.J. Brunson were all out with an illness. Last week, centre Peter Godber battled an illness leading up to the game in Calgary. Dickenson said the team may be fighting an ailment.
“We might have a little bit of the flu run through the building a little bit. ”
He noted the team has been taking precautionary measures.
“We’re trying our best to get guys out of here if they’re coming in here and you know, not feeling like themselves and a little bit under the weather.”
Godber was listed on the injury report with a hand injury, Dickenson isn’t sure if the Toronto product will be able to suit up this week.
Stepping In
If Godber is unable to play on Thursday, Logan Bandy will be the starting centre. Filling inside of the Roughriders offensive line is nothing new for the third-year veteran. Last year, Bandy stepped in at centre and played 11 games in place of Dan Clark. The Roughriders head coach is confident in Bandy.
“He’s got some experience, played quite a bit for us last year, got a little bit bigger this off-season, a little stronger.”
Dickenson added they expect Bandy to succeed if he’s called into action.
Three-Year Plan
The third season marks the end of the initial contract signed by Canadian players when they join the CFL.
Dickenson feels the rookie campaign is about building a player’s foundation for their career.
“First year you expect them to come in and work hard, learn the system, compete and hopefully contribute a little bit on special teams or give you depth.”
The Saskatchewan head coach noted the player has to leave an impression in his second season.
“Year 2, show us why we drafted you. Show us that you have the ability to possibly be a starter or heavy contributor on special teams. ”
The third season then becomes a crucial year for Canadian players.
“You better show us that you’re worth investing, because that’s the last year of your rookie contract and it’s time showing your worth bringing back for Year four.”
620 CKRM will have full coverage of the Roughriders matchup against the Elks. Countdown to Kickoff begins at 4:00, Rider Nation Pre-Game Show is at 6:00, with the opening kickoff at 7:00.
