Roughriders dealing with injuries ahead of Saturday's game in Calgary

At Tuesday’s practice, the Riders were without nine players who played on Friday against Winnipeg.

Published Jun 20, 2023 • 2 minute read

Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson watches a drill during practice at Mosaic Stadium on Tuesday, June 20. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post

It’s been a tough couple of weeks on the injury front for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

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With five players already on the six-game injured list, a number of other players missed practice on Tuesday as the team returned to the field for the first time since Friday’s 45-27 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

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Among the nine players not practicing on Tuesday that played on Friday were running back Frankie Hickson (shoulder), defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II (foot), safety Jayden Dalke (back), defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. (back), defensive lineman DeMarcus Christmas (knee), fullback Albert Awachie (hamstring), receiver Juwan Brescacin (shoulder), defensive lineman Nicholas Dheilly (head) and defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore (hamstring).

“Day 1 is a day where if they aren’t 100 per cent, we keep them in, but we’ll see as the week goes,” head coach Craig Dickenson told media after practice.

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“We’re going to be fine. Sometimes adversity early in the season can be a real benefit late.”

The Riders are already without receiver Brayden Lenius (lower back) and offensive lineman Philip Blake (torn pectoral), who joined receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker (hip) and defensive back Godfrey Onyeka (chest) on the six-game injured list to start the season.

Then after the Riders’ Week 1 victory in Edmonton, receiver Derel Walker (knee) was also added to the six-game injured list, while defensive back Nic Marshall (shoulder) headed to the one-game injured list.

However, it appears some good news is on the horizon, as Marshall logged a full practice on Tuesday while linebacker Derrick Moncrief, who has been on the one-game injured list since the start of the season, is close to making his debut after off-season shoulder surgery.

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“(Moncrief) is on track to play, whether he starts or not we’ll have to see, but we’re hoping to get him a full week of practice,” said Dickenson.

The Riders also announced potential starting left tackle Jerald Hawkins has re-joined the team after dealing with a personal matter. And fellow offensive lineman Colin Kelly has been reinstated from his two-game suspension for using a banned substance last season as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Plus, the Green and White signed running back Rodney Smith, who was with the team during training camp.

“Rodney had a good camp with us and was one of our last cuts, so we’re glad to get him back,” said Dickenson.

Prior to coming to the CFL, the 27-year-old Smith played seven games with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers in 2020 after signing as an undrafted free agent. He recorded 41 carries for 156 yards and a touchdown, while adding nine catches for 59 yards and another TD. After the 2020 season, the former University of Minnesota Gopher spent the following year on the practice squads of the Panthers, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.

The Riders (1-1) are set to visit the Calgary Stampeders (1-1) on Saturday at McMahon Stadium (5 p.m., TSN).

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