Even though the Saskatchewan Roughriders have only played two games in the 2022 season, the team is aware the key for any success this year will be the quality of the depth on their roster.
The offensive line will face a tough test beginning this week with the injury to centre Dan Clark who was sidelined with a broken fibula in the Riders 26-16 win against the Edmonton Elks.
A big hole was left both on and off the field with the injury to the Regina product. Offensive lineman Logan Ferland says Clark’s injury put a damper on the Riders win. “It’s heartbreaking , it didn’t even feel like a win after that, it’s tough, that’s all you’re thinking about in the end.”
The impact of the injury to the Riders starting centre was not only felt by the offensive line, but for the entire team including wide receiver Shaq Evans. “I have never been hurt more about an injury than when I see Dan go down because I’ve never played a game without him.”
Logan Bandy will draw into the Riders lineup on Thursday night. Even though he has big shoes to fill, Bandy’s teammates have full faith that he can step up to the task. Running back Jamal Morrow has full confidence in the University of Calgary product. “Football is about the next man up , we got complete faith in Bandy so we’ll be alright.”
Expectations will be high for Bandy in first career start, but he has the support from the offensive line says Ferland. “The centre is the new big dog and that’s Bandy , he’s the new big dog and we’re all looking up to him, but we also have his back we’re five guys on the field or six if we’re in any big personnel ,five acting as one.”
With Ferland lining up besides Bandy at guard, he says the best way he can help out Bandy is communication and helping him identify the defensive alignments.
Duke Williams absence was hopefully a short one for the Riders. The wide receiver was out of the Riders lineup against the Elks after suffering an injury in practice. The green and white were able to prevail in Edmonton in part to players like Mitch Picton stepping up with his best game with the Riders. The local product collected four catches for 56 yards including a 28 yard touchdown grab that sealed the win for Saskatchewan.
There is no shortage of confidence inside of the receiving room according to Evans, adding that any receiver is capable of stepping up on the field. “I feel like we have a dynamic receiving room so when someone goes down, there’s never going to be like too much of a drop off because we all push each other everyday to be the best we can be.”
The front seven of the Rider defence has shined for the green and white early in the 2022 campaign, but they will face their first change to their lineup in Montreal. Charleston Hughes will be out against the Alouettes. Pete Robertson will be one of the Riders called upon to help maintain their ferocious pass rush. Robertson has gotten off to a fast start recording three sacks in the opening two games.
The Riders will meet the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday night. You can catch the game on 620 CKRM. Countdown to kickoff begins at 2:30 with the opening kickoff set for 5:30.
