More changes coming to the injury-riddled Riders’ offensive line

The Saskatchewan Roughriders injury woes along the offensive line continue.

Saskatchewan will be without centre Peter Godber (ankle) this week after he left the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“It’s looking a little tough right now for Peter. We just don’t have it dialed right now in terms of total timeline,” said Riders head coach Corey Mace. “It’s going to be a little tough on a short turnaround here so we’re going to play it by ear. I think the bye-week coming up is going to be good for him and really good for us as a team.”

He’s not the only injury affecting the offence this week as both guard Zack Fry (elbow) and wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (shoulder) were seen in slings at Wednesday’s practice. The Riders appear to be dressing Nick Jones at guard and wide receiver Ajou Ajou to start this week’s Labour Day rematch against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday and can only be watched on CTV.

“It’s a psychical sport. Sometimes, unfortunately, things happen but the next guy has to step up,” Mace said.

Logan Ferland will once again show off his versatility along the offensive line as he is set to start at centre this week for the injured Godber.

Ferland and left tackle Trevor Reid will become the only two members of the Riders’ offensive line to start every game thus far. Noah Zerr will start his first career CFL game at guard with Ferland moving to centre.

Jermarcus Hardrick (quad), Philip Blake (quad), Jacob Brammer (knee), Ryan Sceviour (elbow) and Brandon Council (retirement) have all also suited up for the group this season.

“It’s been good so far. I’ve played a bit of centre before,” Ferland said. “It is a transition and all the (blocking) calls are on you and especially heading into Winnipeg with the silent count and everything.”

The Riders are currently in a six-game winless slide (0-5-1) and with their 35-33 loss to the Bombers on Sunday, Saskatchewan dropped from first to third in the CFL’s West Division. The Bombers (6-6) and B.C. Lions (6-6) are currently above the Riders in the standings.

Ferland admitted the team was frustrated with how things have gone recently, but they aren’t letting it boil into negative feelings between the players.

“You would think it’s difficult but with the group we have, we still want to harp on having fun and keeping the mood up,” Ferland said. “When everything is caving in around you and guys focus on the negatives, that’s when it gets into trouble and that’s what we have seen in the past … Positivity in the meetings, positivity on the field and having fun out there and not everyone down on themselves or each other and pointing fingers. There’s never a finger pointed and that’s the difference in the group this year.”

My update from #Riders practice on the injuries along the O-Line as well as in the receiver corps. #CFL pic.twitter.com/xtfHpcdt0r

— Britton Gray (@BrittonGray) September 4, 2024

Notes: Mace said it’s a strong possibility both safety Jaxon Ford (elbow) and linebacker Nick Wiebe (knee) could play this week.