‘Wasn’t our best effort’: Riders O-line looking to find consistency in rematch against Montreal

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive line will look to provide more consistent protection, despite another possible change to the group.

Tackle Terran Vaughn left Wednesday’s practice early.

“I don’t know what the deal was with Vaughn, but it’s something to do with his lower body, so he will be limited (Thursday),” Head Coach Craig Dickenson said.

“We kept two tackles for a reason, and we feel good about both of them. If Vaughn can’t go, we have (Andrew Lauderdale) or Kooper Richardson that will go.”

The Riders will host the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. and the Green Zone pre-game show begins at 3 p.m.

Lauderdale played in 11 regular-season games and two playoff games in 2021 for the Riders. Richardson was signed by the Riders this past May.

The possible injury to Vaughn comes at a time when the Riders are looking to bounce back from an eight-sack 37-13 loss against the Montreal Alouettes.

Guard Evan Johnson said he knows the team can do better.

“It was a tough one on all of us,” Johnson said.

“It wasn’t our best effort. Not to discount them, they are a good squad, but it’s one of those things where you have a young centre in there too. It’s hard to swim without getting wet sometimes.”

While the stat sheet said the Alouettes had eight sacks – seven on starting quarterback Cody Fajardo and one on backup Mason Fine – Offensive Line Coach Stephen Sorrells said his line was only at fault for two of those.

“A lot of people don’t see that. It’s about all 12 guys. It’s not all on the O-line, but we take ownership in that. I want to see zero (sacks) on that page, no matter who is responsible,” Sorrells said.

“Some of it was some miscommunications and not pointing things the right way. The bottom line is this: we’ve all got to be better.”

Centre Logan Bandy made his CFL debut last week in place of the injured Dan Clark. Because it was a short week, the Riders only had one full practice ahead of the game.

“We threw him to the wolves,” Fajardo said.

“Montreal’s front seven is extremely good, and they are very talented.”

Bandy said it was a challenge, but he’s still looking ahead.

“It’s super tough to hop in there after only one day of practice for sure, when you haven’t really taken as many reps as you would have liked,” Bandy said.

“It’s a bit different than university ball, so it was tough, but I felt good about the challenge and I am excited about this week for sure.”

While there’s a chance the offensive line could have a new face in it again this week, Johnson said the best thing for the line will be getting some consistency again.

“The O-line is all about cohesion, about knowing what the guy beside you is doing, and everyone knows their job. Once you start subbing guys in and out, you lose half a step on it trying to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Johnson said.

Notes: Defensive Back Nelson Lokombo left practice early Wednesday as he’s dealing with an injured hamstring, and Defensive End A.C. Leonard did not participate as he’s still recovering from a foot injury.