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The Riders are finally getting some good news when it comes to their injured list.
Receivers Ryan Smith and Nic Demski will both return to the lineup this week against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats barring any setbacks this week during practice.
Smith was placed on the six-game injured list after getting hurt against the Toronto Argonauts. The move caused some concern that Smith could be out for a while. However, the North Dakota native knew he would be back sooner than that.
“It’s what I initially thought, take a couple of weeks to recover and come back stronger,” said Smith.
Smith confirmed Wednesday that his injury came during the spectacular leaping catch he made in the game against the Argonauts. Smith hit his head and shoulder on the play.
Even though Smith has suffered two injuries already this season that caused him to miss time, he’s not going to be changing how he plays.
“I’m going to play fast. I’m going to play physical. That’s the game, that’s how I play. I’m not going to change how I play,” said Smith.
Smith has made some changes to his gear, though, with hopes that a new helmet will help him stay on the field for the rest of the season.
Smith was the league’s leading receiver before the injury.
Demski injured his shoulder during the Riders season-opening loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during an innocent-looking attempt to gain some extra yards along the sideline.
“It was just awkward. Probably not the smartest play on my part considering I was so close to the sidelines. You live and learn, it’s my rookie year, so I have a lot of stuff to learn,” he said.
Spending time on the injured list wasn’t wasted as Demski was able to watch the offence at work and see how he would be able to fit in going forward.
“It’s a lot of big plays. It’s a lot of opportunities to get into open spaces. Honestly, that’s kind of my play style,” he said.
Demski, who can also return kicks, could be returning at a good time with defensive back and kick returner Tristan Jackson out for at least this week.
The news wasn’t all good though as the Riders placed receiver Seydou Junior Haidara on the six-game injured list with a shoulder injury.
JGasson@rawlco.com
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