Getzlaf back for Riders after foot injury

Friday’s game between the Riders and the Ticats will mark the return of Chris Getzlaf.

Getzlaf spent the last six games on the injured list with a foot injury he suffered in practice.

“(I’m) really excited. It’s been quite a few weeks, more than I’ve ever sat out before,” said Getzlaf.

Getzlaf missed five weeks last season with a foot injury too. The good news for the Regina native is last year’s injury was on his other foot.

The experience also allowed Getzlaf to understand what he was going to go through this time around.

“I actually did pretty much the same thing my other foot last year. So, I had a good idea of what it was and what I’m going to have to go through,” he said.

“This time it took me a little longer to get back. At the same time, it’s the same type of process afterward.”

Considering the state of the team, it would have been easy for Getzlaf and the team to decide to shut him down for the season in order to make sure he’s fully back to 100 per cent next season.
Getzlaf never saw that as an option.

“I never have that mentality. I love the game way too much. I never want to sit back and watch it being played regardless of what’s going,” he said.

All of the time on the injured list has been frustrating for Getzlaf.

“I was able to go an extended period of time where I didn’t have to do that. So, it’s a matter of when it’s going to happen. Unfortunately, I’ve had a couple within the last few years,” he said.

There’s also some merit to the option of keeping Getzlaf off the field the rest of the season as the team tries to evaluate the rest of their roster for next season.

There doesn’t seem to be much interest in that either with Getzlaf returning and seeing a bulk of his time with the first time offence in practice this week.

“He brings a consistent work level and a consistent performance level. Someone like Chris has been through the battles, he’s been successful in this league, that’s what breeds confidence,” said interim head coach Bob Dyce.

“It helps the quarterback’s confidence. It helps the receivers’ confidence as a group and the o-line. Just the team as a whole.”

The Green Zone Game Day will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday with Game Day with Wray followed by the Green Zone Pre-Game show.

During the game, stay up-to-date an entertained with Scotty and the King on the Fan Zone.

After the game, it’s your turn to be the star by calling the Green Zone Post-Game Show at 1-877-300-7275.