Riders will add Zack Evans to 6-game injured list, trade for receiver Kenny Stafford

The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be looking to a few new faces for production in the near future.

The team’s depth on the defensive line will soon be tested as defensive linemen Zack Evans and Micah Johnson both left last week’s game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Aug. 1 with injuries. The Roughriders did end up winning 24-19.

After returning to Mosaic Stadium following Monday’s practice at the University of Regina, head coach Craig Dickenson said Johnson (undisclosed) is day-to-day but the biggest blow to the team was the loss of Evans.

Evans (hip) will be put on the six-game injured list according to Dickenson.

“We’re going to hopefully get (Evans) healed up for the stretch run (at the end of the season),” Dickenson said.

Evans has recorded one sack on the year while Johnson doesn’t have any so far.

Makana Henry, a four-year CFL veteran, and rookie Charbel Dabire will be called upon to ensure the defense doesn’t miss a beat.

Henry signed with the Roughriders back in August 2016. During his career, Henry has piled up 56 tackles and 4 sacks in 38 games. Henry sacked Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans once in the fourth quarter on Aug. 1.

Dabire was selected in the fifth round, 44th overall by the Roughriders in the 2019 CFL draft. He recorded three tackles in the game against the Tiger-Cats, his first game as a professional player.

“I think it was a great first game for me just because I was thrown into the lion’s den,” Dabire said after practice. “I had to use all my energy and I was ready for anything they threw out me. I think that’s the worst it’s going to get so now I’ll just be ready for the future.”

The 22-year-old said he was anxious and scared when he first realized he was going in. But he said he just wanted to go out and play and not overthink things.

“It was great to just go in there and have the support of my teammates. They egged me on and pushed me. I just acted like it was practice and no one was watching me and did what I had to do.”

He said he’s been trying to pick things up in practice from Johnson and Evans, learning what to look for in film.

Dabire said Johnson’s playing style is similar to his as well.

“I feel like I could take a lot of things from his toolbox and use it as my own,” Dabire said. “I don’t think he will be mad at me for trying to use his tricks. It’s been working so well so hopefully I can take some.”

Dickenson said the only advice he had for Henry and Dabire ahead of the game against the Alouettes was to just do their job.

“Trust your technique, trust your teammates and play hard and I think both can do that,” Dickenson said.

The Green and White are practicing at the University of Regina as preparations for the two Garth Brooks’ concerts are underway.

Roughriders trade Christion Jones for Edmonton receiver Kenny Stafford

The Saskatchewan Roughriders added a new face to their receiving corps Monday with the addition of 29-year-old Edmonton Eskimos receiver Kenny Stafford.

Going the other way is returner Christion Jones.

Stafford has played 70 games in the CFL, racking up 2,626 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Dickenson is familiar with the type of player Stafford is, as he was the special teams co-ordinator for the Eskimos in the 2014-15 seasons.

“Kenny’s an experienced, polished receiver. He’s got speed and can stretch the field,” Dickenson said. “We feel like he knows the system. We felt like we had a little bit of a need at receiver, our depth was starting to get thin.”

Stafford played in current Roughriders offensive co-ordinator Stephen McAdoo’s system in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Dickenson said Stafford could play this week if they juggled the roster.

Jones, who joined the Roughriders in 2017, had only played in three games this season for the Green and White. He last played on July 1 against the Toronto Argonauts.

Dickenson said the reason for trading Jones was because he didn’t fit how they wanted to field their team this season.

“We feel like we have an abundance of returners,” Dickenso said. “(Jones) is a special (returner), there’s no doubt. The way we’re dressing this year, we are dressing a little heavier and getting a little more physicality up front. Rather than save one spot primarily for a returner, we’re better off using that spot for a returner that also plays running back and receiver.”

The Roughriders will travel to Montreal to face the Alouettes on Friday.

Kickoff for that game is at 5 p.m. and the Green Zone pregame show will start at 3 p.m.

Notes

Wide receiver Shaq Evans injured his ankle after going up for a ball against cornerback L.J. McCray. He stopped practicing but walked off under his own strength. Dickenson doesn’t believe it’s serious… The team released wide receiver KD Cannon. Dickenson said Cannon asked for his release, which the team granted… The team added national linebacker Layne Hull to the practice roster… Kicker Brett Lauther (groin) and offensive guard Brendon LaBatte (leg) did not practice Monday.