Veterans leading by example as Riders deal with injuries

The shuffling continues for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

A number of players once again missed practice on Wednesday, including starters like defensive end Anthony Lanier II (foot), offensive tackle Brandon Council (finger), defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. (back/foot) and kicker Brett Lauther (leg).

That means other players need to step up and fill those voids if the starters are unable to dress for Saturday’s CFL game against the Calgary Stampeders. Kickoff for the game at Mosaic Stadium is set for 5 p.m.

“That’s just the game of football,” Roughriders defensive end Pete Robertson said. “Guys get banged up and guys get hurt. But there’s always that next-man-up mentality.

“That goes on with a lot of teams. You never know who is going to play, who is up or who is down (and) who is 100 per cent healthy. It doesn’t matter; any guy with this Rider jersey on, I’ll be able to play with.”

Robertson has also embraced the role as a veteran in the group, bringing both NFL and CFL experience to the group. He has taken the Riders’ first-round pick in 2023, defensive end Lake Korte-Moore, under his wing.

“I’m trying to set an example (on) how to go about things. I’ve been a pro for a while; (I’m) going on my eighth year,” Robertson said. “It’s the small things you’ve got to do to keep your body ready and be in a position to be ready.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the receiving corps has dealt with a bevy of injuries with Jake Wieneke (knee), Derel Walker (knee), Brayden Lenius (back), Juwan Brescacin (shoulder) and Kian Schaffer-Baker (hip) all on the six-game injured list.

That has led to younger players like Shawn Bane Jr. having to step up into leadership roles on the field.

“It’s cool,” Bane Jr. said. “You’re like, ‘Hey, this is what we are doing, this is how we operate and this is the game plan and how we do things.’ ”

As a former member of the Stamps, Bane Jr. learned in his first CFL season from veteran receivers like Kamar Jorden and Reggie Begelton.

“(I’ve) definitely been taking some keys from them and just making my own with it,” Bane Jr. said. “I’m giving out free game at this point.”

Even with all the injuries, expectations remain the same for the team – to go out and win.

“We have that expectation across the room,” Bane Jr. “If you’re up, we need to be able to count on you.”

Notes: Milligan Jr. had a walking boot on his right foot Wednesday. Head coach Craig Dickenson said the coaches will know more on Thursday, but then added: “It doesn’t look good for Rolan. Unless he has some miraculous recovery, he is probably going to be out for this game.”