Former Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Scott Schultz has no qualms with how the team is handling running back A.J. Ouellette's injury.
"Listen, I'd rather have A.J. miss a game in June then miss the West Final. Nobody expected him to play all 18 games. He plays arguably the most physical position on the football field, save the nose guard, but the impact that he brings, he runs angry, he demands contact," Schultz said to SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk.
"I'd be a little more nervous if it were something a little more serious, but you get bumps and bruises. I think they're doing the smart thing. You take it day-by-day, and you go from there."
Last year, Ouellette played 17 regular season games for the Green and White, rushing 284 times for 1,222 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
In the Riders' last game, Saskatchewan won against the Calgary Stampeders 40-37 in double overtime. Ouellette left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Head coach Corey Mace updated the media on Ouellette's progress on Wednesday.
"It's trending in the right direction, no doubt, but still trending, I would say," Mace said. "Get him eye level today, nothing serious, but we've got another day and then ultimately spit him out there on game day, see what we can do pre-game."
Mace later emphasized staying on the side of caution when elaborating on Ouellette's injury.
"I think you always diagnose it based on how serious the injury is. Now having him out of the boot and all that other stuff, it's trending the right way, so ultimately it's what can he do, what do the doctors feel is necessary, and if he's good to go, he's good to go," Mace explained.
"Every game's important, but in certain situations, you look at the totality of it, still really early in the season, but ultimately the player's body will decide that."
On Thursday, the team announced Ouellette will be on the reserve roster against Toronto, meanwhile rookie American running back Quali Conley will get the start.
When looking at the game with Toronto on Friday, Schultz breaks down what he can expect.
"If Saskatchewan can control the line of scrimmage, they're going to control the ball game. We know that we've got a great offensive line. We've got a defensive line that's primed to bust out and have a do-something game. I think they've been doing a good enough job and holding things down, but Toronto brings in a lot of speed and explosive playmakers," Schultz said.
"We need to be physical and bring our brand of football that we play here on the prairies, and it's going to be a great challenge."
The Riders are 2-0 in the West Division, while Toronto has a 1-1 record.
The Rider Broadcast Network has the pre-game show at 4 p.m. Later, Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 7 p.m. You can either watch the stream or listen on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
