The first day of practice for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in advance of the Labour Day Classic rematch saw a bit of good news and bad news.
First, how things looked from a positive point of view.
Running back A.J. Ouellette had been listed as questionable heading into the Week 14 game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and he’s now back at full steam in practice this week. Quali Conley still took most of the reps at starting running back, though, so how things will look in Winnipeg is up in the air for now.
The Riders also saw fullback Albert Awachie in full action as he nears a return from the six-game list with an ankle injury, while Antoine Brooks Jr. was taking full reps after missing last week’s contest with a wrist ailment.
Standout receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker may also be getting close to a return, as he took warmups on Wednesday but didn’t take the field in practice proper.
Now for the bad news.
Receiver Daniel Wiebe missed practice due to concussion symptoms and offensive line standout Jermarcus Hardrick was limited with a hip injury. Linebackers Nick Wiebe (knee) and Josh Woods (ankle) did not practice after sitting out the Classic on the one-game injured list.
The Riders are back in action for the Labour Day Classic rematch on Saturday afternoon, with kickoff at 2 p.m. at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. The Rider Broadcast Network pregame show begins at 11 a.m. with Teagan Witko, Wes Cates and plenty of special guests. Dave Thomas and analyst Luc Mullinder will then have the game call at kickoff at 2 p.m.
