Roughriders getting some reinforcements at receiver

Brayden Lenius, Jake Wieneke and Kian Schaffer-Baker all returned to practice on Tuesday for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Published Jul 25, 2023 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 4 minute read

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Brayden Lenius (84) stretches during practice at Mosaic Stadium. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post

Quarterback Mason Fine will have a couple of new targets at his disposal this week.

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Ahead of Saturday’s Touchdown Atlantic game in Halifax against the 5-0 Toronto Argonauts (2 p.m., TSN), the 3-3 Saskatchewan Roughriders have taken receivers Brayden Lenius and Jake Wieneke off of the six-game injured list.

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Both were full participants on Day 1 of practice on Tuesday and both are on track to play this week.

“It’s great to have their leadership,” Fine told media after practice at Mosaic Stadium. “Just being vet guys, they know how to practice, they know how to prepare, they’re positive out here.”

Lenius was placed on the injured list following the Riders’ second pre-season game after suffering a lacerated kidney. It took a couple of weeks for the 26-year-old to recover and a few more weeks to be cleared for contact, but now he says he’s good to do.

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“I’m feeling really good,” said Lenius. “I kind of kept preparing like I was still playing and that really did help me to come out here and just play fast and keep it like I didn’t skip a beat.”

As for Wieneke, he injured his knee during the Riders’ Week 3 game against the Calgary Stampeders. And after spending a few weeks on the injured list, he’s being pulled off three games early.

“Feels so good to get back out here and run around with the guys,” said Wieneke.

And the hope is that the 6-foot-5 Lenius and 6-foot-4 Wieneke can inject some more life into the Riders’ offence, which did not produce a touchdown in last week’s 19-9 loss to the B.C. Lions.

“We’ve just got to come out here and get better every single day,” said Wieneke, who had 12 catches for 109 yards in three games prior to his injury. “We’re all still learning and growing. It’s the first year together, first year with this offence.

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“We know that we haven’t played as we’ve wanted to, but we’ve got a lot to build on and we’ve done a lot of great things as well.”

And Fine shares the sentiment of trusting the process as the team looks to turn field goals into touchdowns.

“It’s literally maybe just one guy on every single play that maybe not does their job,” said Fine. “Some small, minute detail that stops you from getting a touchdown or getting that one first down.

“It’s so small that you’ve got to continue to focus in and try not to make those mistakes over and over.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Mason Fine (8) throws the ball during practice at Mosaic Stadium on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 in Regina. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post

While the return of Lenius and Wieneke is good news for the Green and White, a few other receivers are dealing with injuries as Tevin Jones (illness), Mitch Picton (head) and Kendall Watson (ribs) all missed Tuesday’s workout.

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However, no one has been ruled out for Saturday’s game just yet.

“We feel like none of them are long-term and so we’re hoping we have to make some tough decisions at the end of the week based on healthy guys playing and choosing the best lineup,” said Riders’ head coach Craig Dickenson.

Joining Lenius, Wieneke, Shawn Bane Jr. and Samuel Emilus as the starting receiver group on Tuesday was Jake Herslow, who was brought back two weeks ago after being injured during training camp.

Schaffer-Baker return

Receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker was also on the practice field for the first time this season after recovering from off-season hip surgery, but it appears his return is still a few weeks away.

“Schaffer-Baker is off the six-game (injured list), so now he can get out there and move around,” said Dickenson. “It was just minimal stuff for him today.

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“We’ll take him slowly but hopefully get him back by Labour Day, that’s the goal.”

Other injuries

Centre Peter Godber (hand) and defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II (foot) will also look to make their returns to the lineup this week as both logged full workouts on Tuesday.

Defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. (knee) and safety Jaxon Ford were among the other players who did not practise on Day 1.

Riders sign Washington

The Riders also announced the signing of American defensive back Trumaine Washington this week.

The 28-year-old is a veteran of 51 career games, having suited up with the Toronto Argonauts (2018-19), Edmonton Elks (2021) and Calgary Stampeders (2022).

“Trumaine is a pro and Trumaine is going to help us,” said Dickenson. “We feel like our secondary is a little thin with Rolan (Milligan Jr.) going down and we wanted a guy who’s got CFL experience.”

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In 2021, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Miami product led the CFL with five interceptions as a member of the Elks. In his career, Washington has 153 tackles and 12 interceptions, three of which have been returned for touchdowns. He also had 13 knockdowns and two forced fumbles.

Prior to coming to the CFL, he spent four seasons at the University of Louisville, where he had 141 tackles, 22 pass knockdowns and 10 interceptions in 45 games.

With the signing of Washington, the club also announced the release of American running back Rodney Smith.

tshire@postmedia.com