DARRELL DAVIS: Canadian content the key for Riders

There’s no doubt the Saskatchewan Roughriders need better Canadian talent on their roster.

Re-signing offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte was a good start, provided he’s going to recover enough from a concussion and neck injury to let him play next year, if not this year. Recruiting linebacker Henoc Muamba, a highly touted free agent who dearly wants to play in the NFL, could also bolster the Canadian depth on the CFL team, if he signs a contract through 2017.

Getting the league-mandated minimum of seven Canadian starters has been a challenge for the Riders this season. Those two players could fill two of those positions going forward. Now if the Riders could get two of their prized, offseason recruits to contribute as expected they would become competitive because, frankly, defensive end Justin Capicciotti and receiver Shamawd Chambers have been non-factors through 2016. Veteran receiver Rob Bagg has helped minimally on this 3-10 squad. At safety and along the offensive and defensive lines, in positions usually manned by Canadians, the Roughriders haven’t stopped their auditions.

Until they get those seven positions filled by bona fide Canadian starters, the Roughriders aren’t going to be bona fide contenders.