‘We have to get used to it’: Winter weather welcomed by Riders

With a deep playoff run on their minds, the Saskatchewan Roughriders can use Saturday’s game to get acclimated to winter in Canada.

Due to COVID-19 delaying the start of the CFL season, the Grey Cup will take place Dec. 12 — two weeks later than the championship game in 2019.

“The weather isn’t going to get any warmer going forward. I hope guys know that it’s not just one weekend that’s going to be cold and then the next weekend it’s going to be nice and sunny,” Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo said.

“I think we’re going to be in this for the long haul and I think we’re going to have to win some important games in this weather.”

Environment Canada’s forecast for Saturday shows it’s expected to be 0 C and snowing.

Slotback Duke Williams isn’t a stranger to cold weather — he played in Edmonton for two years before playing for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills for a couple.

But he admits it’s still an adjustment for him when the mercury drops below zero.

“I ain’t going to get used to no cold weather,” Williams said. “But at the end of the day, I love football and I’m going to do whatever it takes to be on that field whether it’s cold or hot. As long as I’m playing football, I’ll play in any weather.”

Linebacker Micah Teitz said if you’re playing football while the snow is falling, you’re doing something right.

“I don’t envy the guys in Ottawa that aren’t going to experience it this year,” Teitz said of the Redblacks, who didn’t qualify for the post-season. “I’m glad that we get to and I’m looking forward to it.”

The Riders practised indoors Friday but did use Thursday’s closed practice to feel what it’s like in the elements ahead of Saturday’s game against the visiting Edmonton Elks. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 3 p.m.

“I think it’s important (to practise outside). We have to get used to it,” Teitz said. “I think you’ve got to experience it first-hand and you have to know what you’re going to need to get right if your feet get cold really fast or if your hands are prone to getting cold. You’ve got to know that before you get out there.

“(There’s) nothing worse than just being a guy that shuts down when it gets cold.”

Head coach Craig Dickenson agreed it’s important the team gets practices outside when the weather starts to get colder.

“I think it’s going to show who really loves football and who really enjoys competing regardless of weather. I think if you see a team with everybody over by the heaters, you’re going to know weather is affecting you more than you hoped,” Dickenson said.

“I think it’s a good test run in terms of seeing how you will perform going forward because it’s going to be like this all the way until the end.”

The Saturday showdown could have playoff implications, depending on the result of the Calgary Stampeders-B.C. Lions game Friday. If Calgary loses, the Riders will clinch home field for the West Division semifinal.

But if Calgary wins, Saskatchewan will need to beat Edmonton to clinch home field in the semifinal.

Notes: Defensive tackle Garrett Marino will return to the active roster after dealing with a knee injury. Marino was injured in the Banjo Bowl against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.