JONES STILL DEMANDS THE MOST
The Riders kicked off on-field preparations Tuesday for Saturday’s game at Mosaic Stadium against the B.C. Lions. Here are some things Murray McCormick observed Tuesday while prowling around the day’s practice session.
LET’S TRY THAT AGAIN
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, wasn’t pleased with how the players strolled from the locker room on to the turf for Tuesday’s walk-through.
After a few stragglers caught up with the special-teams session, Jones sent the entire team back into the locker room and demanded that the players try their entry again.
The players returned to the practice as a group and with a great deal more enthusiasm. Even though the Riders are out of the playoff race, Jones still demands the most from all of his players.
MAKING MOVES
The Riders announced a number of roster moves on Tuesday, including the signing of international receiver Phil Bates, who was released earlier this month by the Toronto Argonauts.
“Unfortunately we’ve had some nicks and bumps in our receiving corps once again, so we had to have some guys come in and help us,’’ Jones said when asked about signing Bates.
Bates, 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, was among four receivers cut by the Argos on Oct. 5. He had three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown in five games with Toronto this season.
Long-snapper Daniel MacDonald, who was recovering from a head injury that he suffered in practice, has retired. CFL veteran Randy Chevrier was signed last week in MacDonald’s absence.
Added to the practice roster were internationals Kadron Boone (receiver), Kaelin Burnett (defensive line), Greg Milhouse (defensive line), Lawrence Walker (offensive line) and national Randy Roseway (defensive back).
Released were international receivers Diandra Campbell and Ryan Lankford and international defensive linemen Kendall Montgomery, Davon Walls and Nick Woodman.
THE STRETCH RUN
Saturday’s game kicks off a home-and-home set between the Riders and Lions. The second game is Nov. 5 at BC Place and marks the end of the regular season for both teams.
The Lions have clinched a playoff spot, but are jockeying for position in the standings and could still play host to a postseason game.
Jones feels it’s a significant game because it’s the final contest at old Mosaic Stadium and because of what it means for B.C.’s post-season.
“It’s a very important game for them because they want to try to host a playoff game,’’ Jones said. “It means a lot of money that they won’t have to spend if they do host a CFL game.’’
TALKING FREE AGENCY
Receiver Naaman Roosevelt is among a number of high-profile Riders who can test the freeagent in the off-season.
He could also re-sign with the Riders before hitting free agency. Jones said talks with Roosevelt “are further down the road than with (franchise quarterback) Darian Durant.’’
Jones said Tuesday that talks were going well with Durant and that he fully expects to get a deal done with the quarterback.
Roosevelt leads the Riders in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,094) and has two touchdown catches even though he has been on the six-game injured list with an undisclosed injury since Sept. 10.
Unfortunately we’ve had some nicks and bumps in our receiving corps once again, so we had to have some guys come in and help us,