Offensive boost: Clark, Ferland, Vaughn return to Riders’ lineup

The left side of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive line will have a different — yet familiar — look on Friday.

When Saskatchewan takes on the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers, centre Dan Clark, left guard Logan Ferland and left tackle Terran Vaughn are to return to their spots on the Roughriders’ O-line.

Clark is starting his first game since he suffered a broken leg late in a 26-16 win over the Edmonton Elks on June 18.

“It feels good. I think the last however many weeks have been mentally a grind for myself. I put myself in a good situation and just continued to believe in the work ethic that I have,” Clark said earlier this week as the team prepared for Friday’s game in Winnipeg.

Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 4 p.m.

While everyone in the Riders’ locker room is happy to see Clark back, the happiest of all might be quarterback Cody Fajardo.

Prior to the injury, Clark was the only centre Fajardo had taken snaps from in his Roughriders career. Clark will also bolster a pass protection unit that has given up a CFL-high 59 sacks in 2022.

“It’s exciting to have your centre back, a guy I have played a lot of football games with and a guy I love to death and will continue to go to battle with because I know he’s got my back and I’ve got his back,” Fajardo said.

Vaughn will start at left tackle for the first time since Aug. 13. He dealt with a few injuries as well as being home for the birth of his son.

Ferland also returns after his back locked up following the team’s 20-18 loss to the Bombers in the Labour Day Classic.

“It’s not fun. It’s all cons but it’s never a fun thing to have (a back injury) and it’s hard when you can’t do much about it. It’s a sit-and-wait kind of game,” Ferland said. “I’m feeling great. Every day is a little bit better.”

Ferland said one of the things Clark brings to the lineup is confidence as a veteran centre in the league.

“I think it allows us to play faster. It’s a lot less thinking when everything is laid out exactly how we know we have to block it. It’s just a lot easier going through the motions with Dan,” Ferland said.

“That’s no kick at (Logan) Bandy at all — he’s a great centre as well — but you can’t match that veteran presence that Dan brings.”

Saskatchewan’s offensive line will also try to continue the success the team has had on the ground. The Roughriders have rushed for 1,491 yards as a team this season, the third-highest total in the league entering the week.

But most importantly, the Riders will try to earn a win as they find themselves in a battle for a playoff spot.

The Riders have lost seven of their last nine games and have a 6-8-0 record, with just two wins more than the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for a possible crossover spot.

For a crossover to occur, the fourth-place team from one division has to have a better record than the third-place team in the other division.

“It’s one game at a time. It’s the only way we can do it. This week’s Winnipeg and next week is Hamilton,” Ferland said. “This week is Winnipeg and that’s what we’re focused on.”

Slotback Duke Williams (ankle) won’t play. With Jamal Morrow (hand) and Frankie Hickson (wrist) on the injured list, Kienan LaFrance will start at tailback, with returner Mario Alford listed as his backup.