Rogers sidelined by injury in new blow to Redblacks’ ‘firepower’ against Riders
Already missing two of their starting offensive linemen (Jon Gott and Nolan MacMillan) with injuries, the Ottawa Redblacks took another hit Thursday.
A day before a home game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Redblacks found out they’d have to do without all-star (and a winner of the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Lineman award in 2015) SirVincent Rogers, who was ruled out early in the day.
“It’s disappointing,” said Redblacks coach Rick Campbell. “He’s been nicked up a bit and had a setback (in practice Wednesday) so he’s not able to go. We’ll have other guys step up.”
Rogers, the team’s left offensive tackle, will be replaced by Jake Silas, who had been playing at the opposite tackle spot.
Matt Albright will play right guard, with Jason Lauzon-Seguin at right tackle, Evan Johnson at left guard and Alex Mateas at centre.
“When you talk about those three guys, our top two quarterbacks (Trevor Harris and Drew Tate) and a starting DB (Jerrell Gavins) all being out, we’re missing firepower,” said Campbell. “At the same time, that’s why we have all these guys around here.”
“We probably have the youngest line in this league right now,” said offensive line coach Bryan Chiu. “It’s tough. (Rogers) is one of our leaders. We always give these guys lots of reps, they’ve been to lots of meetings, we’re not going to miss a beat.”
About replacing Rogers, Silas said: “SirV’s a heck of a player, I’m going to come in and try to do the kind of job you might expect from him. That’s my goal. Going from right tackle to left tackle is a significant change. Everything ’s flipped. But over time, you get used to it.”
Zach Intzandt will be on the Game Day roster for the first time this season. Said Chiu: “He’s smart, he’s gotten better every week and I’d have no hesitation playing him.”