A couple of big targets are back on the field for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Receivers Brayden Lenius and Jake Wieneke are on the roster after both players missed time due to injuries.
Lenius suffered a lacerated kidney during the final preseason game against Winnipeg, forcing him to miss the start of the regular season.
After missing the first six games, the receiver is excited about returning to the field for Saskatchewan. Lenius said he didn’t get too out of shape, as he was only down for two weeks following the injury.
“I just kind of hit the ground running when I was cleared so I feel really good, I was preparing like I was playing and that really helped me to come out here and play fast, and keep it like I didn’t skip a beat.”
Last year the receiver returned to Saskatchewan following a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons. He ended up playing in seven games with 17 receptions and 172 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Lenius noted that he formed a strong bond with Wieneke during training camp in Saskatoon. He said the duo with quarterback Trevor Harris are in a chat group, and Harris sent words of encouragement to the pair of receivers before practice on Tuesday.
Saskatchewan has been without Wieneke since Week 3 after he sustained a knee injury against Calgary.
Wienke agreed with his teammate about the rapport between the two.
“Our lockers are next to each other and everything and we’re both coming out for practice, we both had a big smile on. ”
The former South Dakota State receiver started the campaign with ten receptions and 102 receiving yards in three games before sustaining a knee injury against Calgary.
Roughriders quarterback Mason Fine says Wieneke is a savvy veteran.
“He’s the smartest receiver that I know, just knows where to go, knowing where the defence is weak at.”
With Lenius measuring 6’5 and Wieneke at 6’4, Fine is happy to have the skyscrapers back.
“It’s great to have their leadership, just being vet guys, they know how to practice, know how to prepare, they’re positive out here, something about them makes everyone smile.”
To help out his quarterback, Lenius says he has to be a much-needed big body in the middle of the field.
“I’m kind of that safety blanket.”
He added, ” Scramble in the pocket, quick passes, hot throws, and just those big plays. I want to be there for Mason (Fine) and all the boys to be able to make those plays.”
With the Roughriders unable to find the end zone during their 19-9 loss to the Lions on Saturday, the return comes at a good time for Saskatchewan.
The other new member of the Roughriders starting receiving group on Tuesday was Jake Herslow. The former Houston Cougar was with the Roughriders during training camp but suffered a knee injury leading to his release. Herslow rejoined the Roughriders earlier this month.
Also on the field for Saskatchewan was Kian Schaffer-Baker. The Roughriders leading receiver in 2022 underwent hip surgery in February after agreeing to a contract extension with the green and white. The former Guelph Gryphon practiced on a limited basis.
Head Coach Craig Dickenson hopes to have Schaffer-Baker back in the starting lineup by Labour Day.
Despite the influx of new players on the field for Saskatchewan, they aren’t at full strength at receiver.
Tevin Jones (illness), Kendall Watson (ribs) and Mitch Picton were all out on Tuesday.
Dickenson noted that the injuries at receiver are not expected to be long term and said the coaching staff may have some tough decisions ahead of their Touchdown Atlantic matchup against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.
Practice Notebook
- There was other positive news on the injury front for Saskatchewan on Tuesday. Anthony Lanier II (foot) returned to the practice after missing the last two games.
- Centre Peter Godber was back on the field after missing the last couple of games with a hand injury.
- Defensive back Trumaine Washington was in uniform for practice and will be wearing #28.
- Linebacker Matt Dean (foot) and offensive lineman Zack Fry (lower back) both practiced in a limited basis.
- Bryan Cox Jr. (knee) didn’t practice on Tuesday
- Safety Jaxon Ford (ankle) and DB Rodney Clemons (ankle) also didn’t participate at practice.
- The Roughriders will practice on Wednesday at Mosaic Stadium before they leave for Halifax on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Argonauts.
