Receiver Manny Arceneaux ‘close’ to making Riders debut

Manny Arceneaux is nearing full go with the Riders.

“He’s about nine months in right now, so he’s close. We definitely don’t want to push a guy that’s injured. If a guy’s close, we want him to be ready to go and then we usually give them one more week,” Dickenson said.

Saskatchewan signed Arceneaux to a one-year contract through the 2019 season during free agency in February. Arceneaux played in nine games then a torn ACL knee injury ended his 2018 season, but he did make 32 catches for 553 yards and one touchdown – 1,000-yard pace.

He spent the first eight years of his CFL career with the B.C. Lions. The 31-year-old has played 129 games recording 556 receptions for 8,169 yards and 55 touchdowns. Arceneaux had three straight 1,000-yard seasons – including a career-high 1,566 yards in 2016 – from 2015-2017. Two times Arceneaux has been named a CFL all-star (2015 and 2016).

“People recognize Manny as a top notch player, great talent and a true professional, a worker. The fact that he’s almost ready I think people are noticing that,” Dickenson said.

“Right now it looks like if he comes on an American would have to sit. We gotta go in and watch the film and make some tough decisions on the next 24-48 hours.”