Riders’ Leonard ready to return after three-game suspension

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are getting back one of their key defensive weapons.

Defensive end A.C. Leonard is to make his return to the lineup Saturday against the host Calgary Stampeders after missing three games due to suspension.

He initially racked up two games after refusing to provide a urine sample after the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 5. The league subsequently added another game, saying Leonard had verbally abused the official trying to administer the test.

However, Leonard is now going to try and put that behind him as he returns to the Roughriders’ lineup. He missed Saskatchewan’s games Sept. 11 against Winnipeg, Sept. 17 versus the Toronto Argonauts and last Friday against the B.C. Lions.

Leonard wasn’t made available to the media Friday, but defensive back Ed Gainey weighed in with his thoughts on having Leonard back on the field.

“(Leonard) brings a spark to the defence. He’s a very dynamic defensive lineman. He can rush the passer (or) he can run those running backs down if they break out. Honestly, he just brings a different energy to the defence,” Gainey said.

“It’s just a different atmosphere, especially for a lot of the young guys. They’re more comfortable.”

Riders head coach Craig Dickenson is also looking forward to what he expects will be a good performance from Leonard.

“I think he’s going to be super-motivated tomorrow to have a good game. He’ll probably have to dial back a little bit, honestly. They’re probably going to try to hard count him and try to (use) his excitement and his anticipation and get him to make mistakes by jumping offsides,” Dickenson explained.

“We’ll have a good visit with A.C. and just try to have him play within himself. He can’t make up for those three games, but what he can do is have his best one game. Hopefully that’s tomorrow against Calgary.”

The Roughriders’ defence also has another gift heading into this matchup. Stampeders receivers Josh Huff and Kamar Jorden are both out.

Dickenson said it’s quite likely that will hurt the Stampeders’ performance.

“It’s going to hurt them a little bit, there’s no doubt. I’m sure (Calgary head coach) Dave (Dickenson) would love to have them,” Craig Dickenson said.

However, he doesn’t think that means he can write off the Calgary offence.

“The Stampeders offence in the organization is built on process,” Dickenson said. “It’s going to be the same offence no matter who’s in there.”

Calgary heads into the matchup with a 2-5-0 record. That leaves the Stampeders tied with the Edmonton Elks for last in the West Division entering the week.

Saskatchewan, on the other hand, is coming off a 31-24 win against B.C. The Green and White have a 5-2-0 record, and have a solid grasp on second in the West.

Kickoff Saturday is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.