Moncrief to make season debut, but injuries force changes to Riders’ roster

Derrick Moncrief is ready to get his 2023 season underway.

The 29-year-old linebacker missed all of training camp and the first two games of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ regular-season schedule as he dealt with a left shoulder injury.

“I’m feeling great,” Moncrief said. “It’s been a long wait and a long off-season. It’s finally here and I’m excited.”

Moncrief will get the start as the Riders travel to Calgary to take on the Stampeders on Saturday. Kickoff for the CFL game is set for 5 p.m.

Moncrief, a product of Prattville, Ala., said he suffered an injury to his left shoulder in 2018.

“I was going out to tackle Andrew Harris and (the shoulder) just slipped out of place and dislocated,” Moncrief said. “Anything happens in sports. You always try to just play one play at a time and take advantage of the moments.”

He had surgery on it this past November, and that started an eight-month recovery process.

“It would mean everything (to play this week). I put in so much time in the off-season, (with) film study and I put my body through extreme workouts and stuff like that. I’m just excited to get out with the fellas and try to compete,” Moncrief said.

“The older I get, I understand that injuries happen. You just have to be patient (and) you have to wait your time and try to put your best foot forward when you get on the field.”

Moncrief was the only member of the Riders who was named a West Division all-star in 2022. He recorded 50 tackles and four interceptions in 17 games.

While Moncrief just logged his first full week of practice, he feels he’s up to speed for his debut.

“My training was very hard; it was like I was in training camp. I just wasn’t out there getting the reps with the guys. I put myself through a lot of turmoil,” Moncrief said.

“I know it’s the first game but I have to come out and I’ve got to play fast and I’ve got to play physically. I have to play with a relentless pursuit to the football and try to get the ball back for the offence as much as I can.”

While the Riders welcome Moncrief back into the lineup, a number of injuries have forced changes to Saskatchewan’s lineup.

Safety Jayden Dalke (back), receiver Juwan Brescacin (shoulder) and defensive end Nic Dheilly (head) have all been added to the six-game injured list. Fullback Albert Awachie (hamstring), defensive lineman DeMarcus Christmas (knee), running back Frankie Hickson (shoulder) and defensive back Rodney Clemons (ankle) were all added to the one-game injured list.

Defensive back Jeremy Clark (undisclosed) didn’t appear on the injury report during the week, but was also added to the injured list.

Defensive back Nic Marshall (shoulder) returns to the lineup after missing last week’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Nelson Lokombo will start at safety for Dalke and slotback Kendall Watson will make his Riders’ regular-season debut in place of Brescacin.

“We have a deep squad, both on offence and the defensive side of the football. We just have to come to play. Everyone needs to study like you’re the next man up so when your number is called, you’ve got to be ready to step in,” Moncrief said.