Injuries adding up for Riders ahead of contest in Calgary

Following a physical game Friday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were missing a number of players for Tuesday’s practice.

The CFL’s Roughriders, who lost 45-27 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium, returned to practice Tuesday without a number of players.

Defensive end Nic Dheilly (head), defensive end Lake Korte-Moore (hamstring), fullback Albert Awachie (hamstring), running back Frankie Hickson (shoulder), defensive end Anthony Lanier II (foot), receiver Juwan Brescacin (shoulder), defensive lineman DeMarcus Christmas (knee), safety Jayden Dalke (back), and defensive back Rolan Milligan (back) all didn’t practise on Tuesday.

“We’re optimistic. We really are. Day 1 is a day where if they aren’t 100 per cent, we keep them in (the locker room),” head coach Craig Dickenson said at Mosaic Stadium. “We will see as the week goes.

“We’ve got enough (depth). We are going to be fine. Sometimes adversity early in the season can be a real benefit late.”

In order to add some depth to the roster, the Riders signed running back Rodney Smith. He was with Saskatchewan throughout training camp and Dickenson said he was one of the last cuts the team made.

Running back Jamal Morrow, who had formed a 1-2 punch with Hickson, said it’s tough to lose a player like his backup.

“He’s always going to have good spirits. For me, you have to go in there and prepare — kind of like the beginning of last year,” Morrow said.

Morrow and Smith have actually crossed paths before, with the two playing against each other in the 2016 National Funding Holiday Bowl. Morrow was a member of the Washington State Cougars while Smith played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers emerged victorious 17-12.

“I got to talk to him about that. He’s a great guy. He’s a very calm, cool, collected guy,” Morrow said about his new running mate. “He’s very versatile on the field and he will be a great addition when he gets his opportunity.”

A player who got his opportunity last week due to an injury was wide receiver Tevin Jones.

Jones was put into the starting lineup with Derel Walker (knee) put on the six-game injured list.

“My role is to do all I can to help win this game,” said Jones, who had nine catches for 121 yards in the Riders’ loss. “That’s been my role since I got here and that’s always going to be my role.”

The Riders could get back a couple veterans for the showdown against Calgary as well.

Notes: Left tackle Jerald Hawkins rejoined the team after being away for nearly a month to take care of a personal matter. Right tackle Colin Kelly has finished his two-game suspension and can play this week.