Roughriders remain cautious with the Flyin’ Hawaiian

There are still questions as to when The Flyin’ Hawaiian will take off with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Veteran receiver-returner Chad Owens started the 2017 CFL season on Saskatchewan’s six-game injured list due to the lingering effects from a broken foot he suffered while with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last season.

Owens has been practising regularly with the Riders, leading to the possibility he could be activated for Sunday’s Labour Day Classic against the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“Mentally I’m preparing (to play),” Owens said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.

“The thing about coming off injuries is you have your good days and bad days, good weeks and bad weeks, and ups and downs, and it’s just the way it goes. I’ll see how it feels (Friday) because I want to get to the point where I’m just grinding on it and doing everything that I know I can do out here and not have any setbacks.”

Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, has adopted a wait-and-see approach.

“We’re going to make sure that Chad is right, and it’s not like he’s a spring chicken, either,” Jones said.

“It’s not like he’s going to have 100 rolls at this thing. If we do put him out there and when we put him out there, we’re going to make sure that he’s completely healthy.”

Owens is also looking at the bigger picture when it comes to being on the active roster.

“It’s not about right now, it’s about longevity,” he said.

“I’m 35 years old, but I feel I like I have so much more to give and I don’t want to hinder the future. There are still a lot of football games to be played this year. It’s day-to-day and that has been our approach.”

The Riders are searching for another returner because rookie Christion Jones suffered a shoulder injury in last Friday’s 54-31 win over the host Edmonton Eskimos. Jones showed his potential in three starts and was among the reasons why the Riders could be patient with Owens.

Jones, however, was placed on the six-game injured list Thursday and the Riders added A.J. Jefferson, a defensive back and returner, from the practice roster.

Receiver Nic Demski was among the Riders who stepped up as returners against the Eskimos. With Jones on the sidelines and Owens’ status uncertain, Demski could see more action at returner.

However, Demski would also like to see Owens returning punts and kickoffs.

“I’m a fan of Chad Owens,” Demski said.

“I looked up to him when I was young because that’s what I wanted my career to be like. I wanted to start off returning on special teams and then make my name on the offensive side of the ball. I’m pretty sure he’s the most anxious guy to get out here and all of our teammates are anxious to see him play.”

Owens, who has been frustrated having to watch his teammates play, is certainly anxious to return.

“It’s just another character test,” he said. “I keep mentioning adversity and we all have to go through it because everyone is going through something.”