‘What’s next?’ Riders’ Armstead focused on showdown with Ottawa

Ryquell Armstead has been busy in his short time as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The 27-year-old running back arrived in Regina just days before Friday’s game against the Calgary Stampeders.

After spending some extra time after meetings and practice getting accustomed to the Riders’ schemes, Armstead ending up starting the game and was kept busy. He had 25 carries for 207 yards as the Riders defeated the Stamps 37-29 for Saskatchewan’s first win since July 19.

“It felt amazing. I felt good, and it was just what the team needed for us to win,” Armstead said. “Ultimately, if they needed me to get 25, 30, I’m going to take them. If they give me 10, I’m going to do that.”

That performance saw Armstead given the game ball by his teammates.

When you go for 200+ on 25 carries, you get to keep the damn ball! pic.twitter.com/OxMDblrns1

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) September 21, 2024

“I haven’t gotten a game ball since college, so I am grateful for that,” Armstead said.

“It’s just a testament to these guys for believing in me and me accomplishing the things I knew I could do. I was very ecstatic and very happy, and that’s the ultimate gratitude you can have in this game; your guys loving on you and giving you the confidence you need and you’re deserving of. I’m grateful for that.”

Armstead praised his fellow running backs for how they approach the game and how they welcomed him into the locker room.

“They are real pros. They show up on time and do what they are supposed to, and they are encouraging and uplifting,” Armstead said. “Ultimately, they want what’s best for me and best for themselves, and we are just competing and helping each other out.”

But Armstead said that despite how good his first game in Rider green was, all that matters is the next game.

“I have a ‘What’s next?’ mentality and I have since college. I just want to make sure it ain’t a fluke, so I’m just fighting this week to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” Armstead said.

That next game comes against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday — the same team Armstead started 11 games for earlier this season before he was released on September 3.

“It’s going to be amazing to see familiar faces and the guys I fought and put in the time with,” Armstead said. “At the end of the day, I’m with Saskatchewan, and I am ready to ride and I look forward to the opportunity, and I’m trying not to stay too high or too low with this opportunity.”

But while the Redblacks cut him this season, Armstead said there isn’t any extra motivation this week.

“I don’t look for the bad and I don’t hold grudges, especially in this sport. You have to have a strong mentality and mindset,” Armstead said. “Just keep going and look for the next opportunity.”