Riders’ Jones mum on reasons for releasing Carter

Chris Jones wasn’t prepared to divulge specific reasons as to why he released two-time all-star wide receiver Duron Carter, but working out NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens wasn’t one of them.

The head coach and general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders said Sunday that the team wanted to go in a different direction of Carter and that’s what prompted the decision.

“It had nothing to do with it,” Jones said of the correlation between Owens and Carter. “That’s a discussion for another time. Let’s give this its due and then move on from here, OK?”

The Roughriders (34) cut Carter on Saturday night, after putting Owens through some drills on Aug. 5 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Owens, 44, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day prior.

Jones said that the 27year-old Carter is a dynamic individual who has a kind of unique set of qualities.

“We released a very good player who I think will end up, you know, he’s going to land on his feet,” Jones said.

Edmontonbased agent Jason Staroszik, who is handling Owens’s CFL negotiations, declined comment when contacted by The Canadian Press on Saturday.

Carter was the Roughriders’ top receiver in 2017 with a 1,043 yards and eight TDs, but he was shifted to cornerback in the second week of this season after Nick Marshall suffered a finger injury.

He was moved back to offence on Aug. 2 — a 26-19 loss to Edmonton — making three catches for 59 yards and one TD. In seven games this season, Carter had eight receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown.