Jeremy Clark has been supporting the Saskatchewan Roughriders off the field the last couple of weeks, but he may get his chance to help out his team this week.
Changes will continue in the Roughriders secondary. Defensive halfback Rolan Milligan (Back/Foot) will miss Saturday’s contest against the Calgary Stampeders.
As a result, Clark will likely draw back into the lineup after he missed the last two games.
Deontai Williams has been filling Clark’s cornerback but will probably move to fill Milligan’s spot at halfback.
Due to injuries on the Roughriders roster and the need to consider the Canadian ratio, the former Michigan Wolverine had to wait patiently for his next opportunity.
“It was very difficult, but I try and keep my spirits up.”
The Roughriders coaching staff provided the defensive back assurances that his performance was not the reason he wasn’t playing.
“They were like it wasn’t anything you did, it was just like it’s just part of our game.”
Entering his third campaign in Saskatchewan, Clark is aware that there are some tough decisions coaches have to make when arranging their roster.
“You can’t be selfish, you just got to be for the team.”
Clark emphasized the significance of communication for the Roughriders secondary amidst the changes they are facing.
“Usually it’s just a couple of guys talking, but this game we’re going to need everyone talking to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
The Madisonville, Kentucky product has enjoyed his time with Saskatchewan since joining the team in October of 2021.
“I’m getting really comfortable here, I like the fans, so this is like home.”
Before joining the Roughriders, Clark spent time at the professional level south of the border. He was selected by the New York Jets in the 6th round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After spending parts of three seasons with the Jets, Clark moved to the XFL and suited up for the Seattle Dragons. COVID-19 forced the end of the XFL version 2.0, meaning the defensive back. He agreed to terms with Saskatchewan in the winter of 2020 before rejoining the team in the fall of 2021.
Clark is happy the Canadian Football League is around to give players like him another chance at the gridiron sport.
“It’s good to have a league like this, give guys the opportunity.”
The defensive back added, “It’s nice to have a stable league to go to.”
Despite the injuries, Clark will try and be a stabilizing presence on Saturday against the Stampeders.
Practice Notebook
- Rolan Milligan won’t be the only top defender that won’t suit for the Roughriders on Saturday. Defensive tackle Anthony Lanier II is out this week with a foot injury. Lanier II has been battling the injury over the last couple of weeks and missed practice throughout the week.
- Other defenders who will miss Saturday’s contest include linebacker Matt Dean, defensive backs Kosi Onyeka and Rodney Clemons have been listed as doubtful.
- The offensive side of the ball will be without some key players as well. Left tackle Brandon Council and centre Peter Godber are both out with hands injuries. Eric Lofton will likely start at left tackle after starting the season at right tackle, Logan Bandy will make his second straight start at centre.
- Jake Wieneke (Knee) will miss his second straight game.
- Running back Frankie Hickson (Back) and defensive lineman Charbel Dabire (Leg) are both questionable for Saturday.
- On the good news side of the injury front, Brett Lauther returned to practice on Thursday after missing the first two days of practice. Earlier in the week, Saskatchewan signed former Stampeders draft pick Campbell Fair as insurance.
- Defensive backs C.J. Reavis, Amari Henderson and defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore don’t have any injury designation ahead of Saturday’s game.
620 CKRM will have full coverage of Saturday’s contest between the Roughriders and Stampeders beginning with Countdown to Kickoff at 2:00, Rider Nation Pre-Game Show at 4:00 and the opening kickoff with Michael Ball and Luc Mullinder is at 5:00.
