Riders could get back Clark, Williams; Hickson could be out for season

It was good news and bad news for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Monday as they returned from their second bye week of the CFL season.

For the good news, the Riders appear to be welcoming centre Dan Clark back to their offensive line. The 34-year-old suffered a broken leg on June 18 against the Edmonton Elks.

“It feels good. I think the last however (many) weeks have been mentally a grind for myself,” Clark said after practice at the University of Regina.

Clark and slotback Duke Williams are on track to return to the lineup Friday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 4 p.m.

When Clark first suffered the injury, he admitted he had doubts if he could return from it at his age, but then he recalled another major incident that occurred prior to the 2019 training camp.

“What crept into my mind was that I survived a car accident and being ejected from that, so a broken leg ain’t nothing,” Clark said. “Having that mental mindset to be able to overcome all situations and just be back out there with my boys (was key).”

Clark is the longest-serving member of the Riders, having appeared in 127 games since 2012.

In his absence, the Riders’ pass protection has been the worst in the league. Saskatchewan has given up 59 sacks this season — 15 more than the 44 given up by the Elks.

But Clark says he’s proud of how the young guys stepped up to deal with all the injuries the group has faced this season.

“Our young guys did a great job putting the best performance that they could out there in situations,” Clark said. “I know there was a lot of adversity that we faced as an O-line and I know I need to be better in that room to pass on the information that I know and I can always be better for the group.”

Williams is also trending towards rejoining the offence this week. He last played Aug. 19 and has been dealing with an ankle injury.

“It felt good today — getting back in rhythm with my teammates and Cody (Fajardo) and in sync with the receivers,” Williams said. “We’re looking to get back on track.”

During his absence, Williams found himself at the centre of some controversy when he was penalized in a 21-17 loss to the Bombers in the Labour Day Classic despite not dressing.

“It happens. I wear my emotions on my sleeves. I apologized to my teammates for that. That doesn’t define who I am and it doesn’t define who we are,” Williams said.

This could also be the first time the Riders have all of their starting receivers together for a game. Williams, Shaq Evans and Kyran Moore haven’t appeared in the same game this season.

“It’s going to be great. Everybody is coming back. The O-line is going to be good too,” Williams said. “Everybody (has to) do their individual part. Nobody (should) try to do too much and just let the game come to us.”

However, the Riders’ offence will be without another running back this week.

Head coach Craig Dickenson said Frankie Hickson suffered a fractured wrist which could keep him out for the rest of the season. Dickenson said Jamal Morrow is still expected to be out at least two weeks, so Kienan LaFrance and Shaun Williams will get the reps at the position.

Riders sign three to practice roster, release Keion Adams

The Riders announced the signing of three players to the practice roster Monday.

Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka, American defensive lineman Cody Roscoe and American offensive lineman T.J. Storment were all signed to the practice roster.

Onyeka spent time with the Riders earlier this season, suiting up for six games.

Roscoe played two seasons at Syracuse University and three at McNeese State University.

Storment attended 2022 rookie minicamp with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens after spending his senior season at Texas Tech.

While it wasn’t announced by the team, Dickenson confirmed the Roughriders had released linebacker Keion Adams. Adams appeared in 16 games for the Riders, recording four sacks over two seasons.