LaFrance to see role increase as Riders’ tailback depth tested

Kienan LaFrance will be asked to carry more of the load for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ rushing attack.

The 31-year-old will be called upon to do more — along with Shaun Wilson — after Frankie Hickson suffered a fractured wrist. Jamal Morrow is also still dealing with a broken hand.

“That’s why we play ball — to get out there and get an opportunity to play and do what you do,” LaFrance said. “I’m excited to get out there and contribute to the guys. We’re putting a good week of practice together, so it will be good to be a part of it.”

The Winnipeg product will get a chance to do it in front of family and friends Friday as the Riders take on the Blue Bombers. Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 4 p.m.

“We will have a good group of guys (at the game) and another group talking smack from behind the TV,” LaFrance said with a laugh. “It’s always fun.”

While LaFrance hasn’t been called upon to contribute a lot to the offence so far in 2022 — he has only three rushes for 15 yards and two catches for 14 yards — he has been a key contributor on special teams for the Green and White.

“He can get you out of the game in so many ways and that’s a good thing,” head coach Craig Dickenson said. “He’s a proven tailback, he can carry the ball and he’s also a good fullback and can block. He’s one of our best special-teams players.

“A veteran player that’s been there and done that, those players are worth their weight in gold.”

LaFrance knows how important it is to be a contributor wherever he can.

“One-third of the snaps are going to be special teams. They play a big part in terms of swaying the game in the right direction,” LaFrance said. “It complements the offence and defence and is an important part.”

LaFrance has rushed for 657 yards and four touchdowns in his seven-year CFL career. He also has added 46 catches for 296 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Wilson is the other running back who is expected to get some work in the game. He signed with the Riders on Aug. 29.

A product of Duke University, Wilson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. He appeared in five games for them that season, rushing for 29 yards.

He also spent time with the Washington Commanders in 2019 and with the Tennessee Titans in 2020. The 26-year-old had a stop with the B.C. Lions in 2021.

“He’s a good dude. I’m just trying to help him out, get him under the wing a little bit and let him do his thing,” LaFrance said.

The Riders’ rushing attack, which is third in the CFL with 1,491 yards entering the week, could get a boost as well with centre Dan Clark set to return to the lineup for the first time since suffering a broken leg in Week 2 against the Edmonton Elks.

Saskatchewan will try to put together some wins after losing seven of its past nine games and try to clinch a playoff berth.

If the Riders lose, the only way they can qualify for the playoffs is by way of the crossover into the East Division.

For the crossover to happen, a fourth-place team in one division has to finish the regular season with a better record than the third-place team in the other division.

Saskatchewan currently is fourth in the West with a 6-8-0 record. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are third in the East with a 4-10 record, while the fourth-place Ottawa Redblacks are 3-10.

“I think we’re on a good vibe. I think everyone knows the importance of playing a divisional opponent. Every game at this point matters,” LaFrance said. “We have one focus and that’s to get a (win) so that’s where we’re headed.”

Riders add two to secondary

Saskatchewan added two new players to its secondary with the additions of T.J. Green and Devin Jones.

Green spent six seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the second round (57th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2016 draft.

The 27-year-old was with the Colts until he was released in 2018.

He saw action in 31 games over the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Colts and recorded 88 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three pass breakups.

That same year, Green signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He also played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans.

Green spent three seasons as a member of the Clemson Tigers and was a receiver before switching to safety in 2014.

Jones was signed by Carolina after attending its rookie camp and was with the team for the 2022 pre-season.

The 25-year-old played five collegiate seasons at North Carolina Pembroke as a defensive back and a kick returner.