The Saskatchewan Roughriders may have enjoyed some much-needed time off in Week 4, but it has yet to help them on the injury report.
With the team reporting back for practice on Sunday, a whopping 10 players were unable to participate in team activities with just three sessions remaining until they take on the Edmonton Elks.
“We’re still a little beat up,” head coach Craig Dickenson admitted to the Regina media. “There’s some guys that missed flights coming back, so that’s part of it. But just guys that are beat up and we’re trying to figure out if we can get them back this week.”
The two players stuck in transit were defensive end Pete Robertson and defensive back Amari Henderson, but eight other players sat out due to medical issues — including six starters.
Among the worst was left tackle Jerald Hawkins, who was rolled up on during the team’s Week 3 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. Dickenson told reporters that the 29-year-old former NFL draft pick remained home after the bye and is scheduled to undergo quad surgery, forcing him out of the lineup long-term.
Saskatchewan’s offensive line was lauded for a gritty in-game performance after Hawkins went down, with left guard Logan Ferland kicking out to the perimeter and backup Logan Bandy taking over inside. However, more changes could be needed this week, with neither centre Peter Godber (hand) nor right tackle Colin Kelly (illness) taking reps on Sunday.
The Riders are already short up front due to the season-ending torn pectoral muscle suffered by veteran Canadian Philip Blake. However, Dickenson believes they can make do with what they have — at least in the short term.
“Everybody’s worried about their o-line and we’re in that group as well, but I think it’s a good bunch. They really play hard and play well together. I think they’re well-coached by Coach Vitale,” he said.
“I think as long as we can have enough bodies, we’re gonna be alright, but we’re getting a little thin. We hope we can get a little more healthy these next few weeks.”
The offensive line wasn’t the only affected area, as star defensive end Anthony Lanier (foot) and defensive back Rolan Milligan (back) also sat out, along with depth defenders Matt Dean (foot) and Rodney Clemons (ankle). Offensively, the most glaring absence was receiver Jake Wieneke (knee).
The prized free agent signing has been relatively quiet to start the year, recording 12 catches for 111 yards. Nevertheless, missed time would be a major blow to the passing game.
“I’m still gonna maintain my optimism. We’ll find out probably more tomorrow but we’ll see,” Dickenson said. “I’m hopeful. He feels pretty good himself, so we’ll just see what the doctor says and go from there.”
Among the good news available at the start of the week, quarterback Trevor Harris was a full participant after citing rib issues entering the bye week. Safety Jayden Dalke (back) was also a limited participant and appears to be trending toward an early return after a precautionary stint on the six-game injured list.
While it wasn’t reflected in the number of players on the field, Dickenson still felt the bye week had refreshed his team.
“Today wasn’t our sharpest day by any means, but it was a good, spirited practice and it feels like guys are happy to be back and ready to get to work.”
The Riders (2-1) will host the Elks (0-4) on Thursday, July 6 at 9:00 p.m. EDT.
