Chad Owens’ Roughriders debut on hold again

Fans waiting to see the Flyin’ Hawaiian suit up in green and white will have to keep waiting.

While Chad Owens has finally made his way off the six-game injured list and onto the 46-man roster, head coach Chris Jones has confirmed the receiver will be scratched for Friday’s home game against the Ottawa Redblacks.

“He’s getting closer,” Jones said after the team’s walkthrough Thursday, adding he’s well aware Owens has been wanting to play since week one.

“If you’ve known Chad as long as I have, you know how bad he wants to play, how much he loves football. His energy is evident when you go out to practice and he’ll get his opportunity eventually.”

Owen signed with the Roughriders in the offseason with the team fully aware he was rehabilitating a foot injury from the previous season.

Complications to the injury kept Owens off the field for the bulk of the season, an experience the player discussed Thursday.

“That was the hardest thing about being on the six-game … not being out on this field and not being a voice out here was rough for me,” he said.

Now, Owens said he wants to show coaches he’s ready to go.

“I control what I can and that’s coming out here and clocking in every day and trying to put the best work I can every single day,” he said.

“That’s it, that’s as much lobbying as I’m going to do. I’m going to come here and let my work show for itself and continue to support my teammates any way I can.”

That support has mostly come in form of mentorship, with Owens embracing the opportunity to help Roughrider returners as much as he can.

“I love this game too much. I love being around the guys, I love being in the locker room, I love every part of it,” Owens said.

Greg Morris and Christion Jones have both praised the receiver for his help.

Owens said the love he continues to get from Rider Nation has been incredible, noting fans have been tweeting him asking if he’ll ever play.

“It’s been amazing. It’s definitely been a warm welcome and a lot of encouragement throughout the season,” he said.

“I’m excited to be here and I can’t wait to finally suit up in this amazing stadium in front of the best fans in the league. I want to feel that excitement while being out there. So when that time comes, I’m going to be ready to roll.”