Injuries continue to pile up as Riders return from bye week

Time couldn’t heal the wounds afflicting a number of Saskatchewan Roughrider players.

The Riders returned to Mosaic Stadium for their first day of practice after a bye week following a 29-26 win over the Calgary Stampeders on June 24.

Nine players missed Sunday’s practice due to injury reasons – linebacker Matt Dean (foot), defensive end Anthony Lanier II (foot), offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins (knee), wide receiver Jake Wieneke (knee), defensive back Rolan Milligan (back), defensive back Rodney Clemons (ankle), centre Peter Godber (hand), and tackle Colin Kelly (illness). Defensive back Amari Henderson and defensive end Pete Robertson were absent due to flight issues returning to Canada following the break.

“We’re still a little beat up,” said Riders head coach Craig Dickenson. “It’s just guys who are beat up and we are trying to figure out if we can get them back this week.”

While Dickenson didn’t provide clarification on much of the injuries he said Hawkins, who made his first CFL start against Calgary, is back home and underwent surgery on a quad. He is expected to miss a lot of time.

The lengthy injury report comes as the Riders (2-1) prepare to host the Edmonton Elks (0-4) on Thursday. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.

It wasn’t all bad injury news for the Riders as they took the field. Safety Jayden Dalke (back), who was hurt following the Riders’ Week 2 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was limited in practice.

“It’s a pain tolerance thing with him and so far so good,” Dickenson said. “(Adding him to the six-game injured list) was just a precautionary thing. We didn’t feel like he would be on the six-game for all six but it was one of those things where we had to be sure and wanted to protect ourselves just in case.”

Also, quarterback Trevor Harris admitted he was dealing with a bit of a rib issue following the last game.

“It’s good enough,” the 37-year-old veteran said. “Just rolling and good to play – I’m excited to be back here and be with the boys.

“Get back to a normal schedule because you watch all the games on TV and you’re just excited for your game.

“We didn’t get one this week but it’s good to get back into the flow.”

Despite a number of players missing from the field, Harris said the team is feeling recharged ahead of the showdown between the two west division rivals.

“A lot of energy yesterday with the guys back,” Harris said. “It was a short bye week for us but a lot of energy and a lot of excitement.

“We had Edmonton coming to town and we get to play in front of the best fans in the league.”