Riders safety Jayden Dalke returns to roster after knee injury

Jayden Dalke has recovered from a knee injury and is ready to resume defense for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“I’m excited to get back and happy to be back out there with the group,” he said after practise Wednesday.

The 27-year-old suffered a torn medial meniscus in the CFL club’s 32-30 Labour Day Classic win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 3.

“It did a bucket handle tear which basically through the cartilage, it ripped at the middle and eventually got to one end,” Dalke said. “I was able to flip during that play where I got pushed in the back, and my leg was planted weird.

“I had had the same thing happen and knew that feeling. I walked over to the trainers and told them what was going on and why I wasn’t able to straighten my knee entirely. We were able to get MRIs to confirm it and get it repaired.”

Dalke rejoins the Riders lineup for the first time since that injury as the team heads west to B.C. to take on the Lions. Kickoff for Friday’s game at B.C. Place is 8:30 p.m.

Dalke admits it was tough being on the sidelines as Saskatchewan dealt with a three-game losing slide and a five-game skid on the road.

“I just want to try to be as helpful as I could,” Dalke said. “Being there with the guys, answering questions about what we can do better the next time someone gives us this look.”

As the safety, Dalke must contain Vernon Adams Jr. and the Lions passing attack – that had over 455 yards in a 34-29 Riders win – but also the ground game.

Saskatchewan Roughriders safety Jayden Dalke at training camp on May 29, 2023. (Britton Gray/980 CJME)

While B.C. hasn’t had a prominent rushing attack – only 85.1 yards per carry, ranking slightly ahead of the Riders (83.9) – they did have 175 yards on the ground last week against the Edmonton Elks.

The Riders also have been gashed on the ground, giving up 721 yards over the past three games.

“I think from the back-end, we can help by changing up some looks, which could help someone get home or somebody get a one-on-one that they weren’t expecting and mix up their protection.”

The Riders will be without defensive end Anthony Lanier II (hip), defensive back Trumaine Washington (finger), defensive back Deontai Williams (hamstring), and linebacker Justin Herdman-Reed (quads) on the defensive side of the ball.

Christian Albright will start at defensive end after having two sacks and a forced fumble in last week’s loss to Ottawa.

Running back Jamal Morrow will also miss his second straight game with a knee injury. Frankie Hickson will start his second straight game after recording 77 yards on nine carries.