Williams, Evans set to bolster Riders’ receiving room

The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be getting two shots in the arm when it comes to their receiving corps.

Both wide receiver Shaq Evans (who has been out since Week 2 with a broken foot) and newly signed slotback Duke Williams (who had 1,579 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last CFL season in 2018) practised on Tuesday.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo says it was nice to get both of them on the field to work on timing ahead of the Riders’ showdown with the host Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. Kickoff for the game is set 7:45 p.m.

“Getting those guys in the lineup is going to be big for us. I think it’s going to bring a lot of energy to our guys,” Fajardo said. “I’ve already seen Duke talking to some of the other receivers about running routes and using the waggle. Shaq’s been a huge vocal guy since Day 1 of practice.”

If they play Saturday, Evans and Williams could help the Riders when it comes to the big play. The Riders are last in the league with only 16 big plays — runs over 20 yards and passes over 30.

Shaq is back

Evans admitted he wasn’t yet running at 100 per cent but is feeling good.

“I’d give it a 90. I feel like there’s still one more step I need to get back, but I’m definitely in the 90s,” Evans said. “I feel like I’m definitely good enough to contribute and play.”

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound wide receiver suffered his injury in the second game of the season, a 30-8 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“When the injury first happened, you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Evans said. “I’m thankful to be back out there with the guys.”

Evans said he took time with the injury to focus on getting into a more positive mindset and not let it get him down too much.

“If this would have happened to me last year or two years ago, I might have went off the deep end, but I tried to stay positive each and every day,” Evans said. “That’s part of why I was sharing (my recovery) on social media, just to show my positive mindset and I’m attacking each and every day.”

Evans burst onto the scene with an impressive sophomore year with Saskatchewan in 2019, recording 72 catches for 1,334 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 18.5 yards a catch.

“The guys that have been out there have been playing well but the numbers speak for themselves — we’re missing the big play as an offence and I think I can help with that,” Evans said. “I feel like I can bring that to the table but also I feel like I can bring an element of leadership and an element of energy.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Duke Williams during practice on Oct. 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Williams reunites with Maas, former teammates

One of the main reasons Williams elected to sign with the Roughriders was his familiarity with people in the organization.

Williams played with cornerback Nick Marshall and slotback Ricardo Louis at Auburn and was a teammate of slotback Paul McRoberts with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. Offensive co-ordinator Jason Maas was Williams’ head coach for his two CFL seasons with Edmonton.

“I just wanted to come to where I was going to feel comfortable at and feel welcomed when I came into the building,” Williams said.

Williams enjoyed a stellar 2018 season with Edmonton that helped him get an opportunity in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. He spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Bills.

But after Williams was released from his NFL contract after an injury settlement, he said it wasn’t too hard to come back to the CFL.

“For me it’s not about money, it’s about actually catching footballs and leaving a legacy. I couldn’t leave a legacy on a practice squad in the NFL,” Williams said.

Williams said nearly all of the CFL teams reached out to him once he was released in August.

“I just came to where I was familiar with faces and familiar with these coaches,” Williams said. “Maas is who gave me the opportunity to start playing again when I was out (of football) in 2016. He gave me the opportunity to come to Vegas and do the mini-camp with them and that’s my loyalty to Coach. So that’s another reason I came back.”

And he said one week of practice is enough for him to be a contributor.

“I just need to feel the speed of the game, take a couple hits here and there and then I’ll be in rhythm,” Williams said. “Once Saturday hits, I should be good to go.”

Notes: Defensive back Christian Campbell (hamstring) will be out for Saturday’s game, according to head coach Craig Dickenson … Defensive back Blace Brown (shoulder) had an MRI on Monday. Dickenson said Brown feels like he can play but will see what the tests show … Linebacker Godfrey Onyeka was given the day off Tuesday.