GLENN IS DAY-TO-DAY
Bridge ready to step in at QB
“Air Canada’’ is ready for takeoff if needed.
The owner of that moniker, Brandon Bridge, is the next quarterback up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders if starter Kevin Glenn isn’t available for Friday’s CFL game in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats.
Glenn’s throwing hand was injured in the third quarter of Saturday’s 48-28 loss to the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, said Monday that Glenn’s status is day-to-day.
“We know that it’s not broken, but it’s just a matter of what (Glenn) can handle,’’ Jones said, adding that Glenn’s participation on Friday could be a game-time decision. “Again, we’ll make sure that other guys are ready if not.’’
Jones wouldn’t speculate how long Glenn could be sidelined.
“I’ve been through this once with (Edmonton Eskimos quarterback) Mike Reilly and he actually did have a break and he attempted to play in a playoff game,’’ Jones said. “We’ll prepare as if (Glenn) isn’t playing, but knowing if he is ready that he plays.’’
Bridge is second on the Riders’ depth chart, followed by Vernon Adams Jr. and Marquise Williams. Jones said there could be a combination of Bridge and Adams if Glenn isn’t available.
On Sunday, Bridge took over the Riders’ offence after Glenn was injured. Bridge was 4-for-8 for 67 yards, with an interception, and scored on a 10-yard run.
“I always hope for a fast and healthy recovery,’’ Bridge said Monday. “At the end of the day, it’s a job and it’s the backup’s job to go in there, get the job done and keep the team in high spirits and get a couple of (wins) until he comes back.’’
Glenn wasn’t available to the media on Monday because he wasn’t practising. In his role as a spectator, Glenn was observed talking to all the quarterbacks.
“Kevin has been doing that every time I was out there,’’ Bridge said. “I’ve been with Kevin for three years and every time we’re out there he’s like a big brother or really like a godfather to me. He’s always out there telling me what the coach is trying to do and trying to help me out with everything.’’
Bridge started his CFL career with the Montreal Alouettes in 2015. He was released on Aug. 2, 2016, and signed with the Riders eight days later.
Bridge has dressed for 36 games over his career, but has only one start — with Montreal against Saskatchewan in the 2015 regularseason finale.
Bridge feels he’s familiar enough with the Riders’ playbook to fill the starter’s role. He has completed 13 of 20 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns while coming off the bench this season.
“Every rep actually counts,’’ said Bridge, a 25-year-old native of Toronto. “Every bit of game-time experience helps from just seeing real, live bullets. Every time I go out there it makes me a more mature quarterback for when I do start.’’
The Riders, meanwhile, announced the re-signing of international linebacker Jeff Knox Jr., who was among the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ final cuts. Knox spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Riders before signing an NFL contract with Tampa Bay.
Knox said there was some interest from other CFL teams, but decided to return to the Green and White.
“I bleed green and it was a simple as that,’’ said Knox, a 25-year-0ld native of Pittsburgh.
In 2016, Knox had 65 defensive tackles and 17 special-teams tackles in 17 regular-season contests. In 2015, he set a Roughriders single season-record with 114 defensive tackles and was nominated as the team’s most outstanding player, most outstanding defensive player and most outstanding rookie.
Knox is expected to play on special teams against the Tiger-Cats, with the number of repetitions on defence to be determined.
“He’s in great shape and he knows exactly what it takes to play at a high level,’’ Jones said.
The Riders also announced the additions of defensive lineman T.J. Barnes, defensive back Mohammed Seisay and offensive lineman Terran Vaughn to the practice roster. Released were defensive lineman Taveres Bingham, defensive back A.J. Jefferson and linebacker Will Ratelle.
We know that it’s not broken, but it’s just a matter of what (Glenn) can handle.