Riders’ D-line depth to be tested due to injury, suspension

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas is excited to get the gift of another chance.

Prior to this CFL season, Christmas hadn’t played in a football game since 2019 due to a number of injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon.

“I haven’t played ball in three years and I’m just happy to be back out here and having fun,” Christmas said. “It was an emotional moment because it was 50-50 and you don’t know if you’re ever going to be playing again.

“As a D-lineman and the power you have to (use) to get off (at the snap) and building that power back in your legs, it was a slow grind.”

Christmas played in 51 games for the Florida State University Seminoles, recording 3.5 sacks during his time there. He was taken in the sixth round (209th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

But between the Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, Christmas didn’t appear in a regular-season game for either team.

He signed with the Roughriders on May 11. He made his season debut for the CFL club on June 18 and has appeared in three games so far.

“It meant a lot. It felt good to be back out here and having fun — being back and sweating, bleeding, hurting — all the good stuff,” Christmas said.

The Riders’ next game is Touchdown Atlantic on Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts. Kickoff for the game in Wolfville N.S., is set for noon. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 10 a.m.

Christmas is expected to become more of a contributor for the Riders over the next four games as defensive tackle Garrett Marino serves a suspension. The Riders’ defence has been one of the league’s best, specifically when it comes to getting after quarterbacks.

The Riders lead the league with 23 sacks through five games, 10 more than the second-ranked Montreal Alouettes.

Christmas believes it’s unity between the group that has led to the torrid start.

“(It’s a case of) coming together and everyone has a different tool that they bring to the table,” he said. “(We’re) just putting it all together and letting it loose when it’s time to let it loose.”

Another player who will see an increase in playing time is defensive end Charleston Hughes.

The 38-year-old has appeared in three games for the Riders this season, mostly used as a rotational piece. His role is set to expand due to an ankle injury to fellow defensive end Pete Robertson, who will be out for the next few weeks.

Hughes, who has 133 career sacks, admits it has been tough to adjust to his new role.

“It’s something I’ve had to adjust to and it’s the role that I play on this team. I’m just doing what I’m asked and when I’m asked to get in, I’m giving 110 per cent every time I step on the field,” Hughes said.

“(Robertson’s injury) is going to show the depth of this team and on our defensive line. We’ve got a lot of people who can make plays at a lot of different positions out there.

“I feel sorry for Pete that it did happen to him but I know he’s going to have a speedy recovery and we’ve got to keep the momentum.”

NOTES: Two Redblacks players have been fined for their actions in the game against the Roughriders. Offensive lineman Dino Boyd was fined for unnecessary roughness on Robertson, while offensive lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon was fined for unnecessary roughness on linebacker Darnell Sankey.