Injured Glenn remains day-to-day
Quarterback awaits game-time decision Friday on bruised throwing hand
Kevin Glenn’s gloves were on during Wednesday’s practice with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Whether the Riders’ quarterback will wear them Friday against the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats isn’t yet known. His status remains uncertain due to a bruised right hand.
“(The hand) feels all right and we’re taking it day-by-day,’’ Glenn said Wednesday. “It will probably be a game-time decision. It’s getting better every day.’’
If Glenn isn’t available, Brandon Bridge would likely get the start with Vernon Adams Jr. backing up. Glenn spent most of Wednesday’s practice shadowing Bridge and Adams while they worked with the first- and second-team offences.
That didn’t stop Glenn from wearing gloves on both hands for the first time this season.
“I’ve done it before and it’s just a precaution as far as the gloves are concerned,’’ Glenn said. “You want to make sure you use it during the week to see how it feels with the glove on and off. I’ve done it before so it’s no big deal.’’
That status of Glenn’s hand has been a big deal since he injured it during the third quarter of Saturday’s 48-28 loss to the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers. While Glenn was completing his follow-through, he hit his throwing hand against an onrushing Blue Bomber. Glenn did not return to the game.
“At first I was worried,’’ Glenn said. “You never know what happens, but when you feel a certain kind of way at that particular time, stuff starts to go through your mind. There weren’t any breaks or anything, so I’m good.’’
Just how good is good is open to speculation. Glenn threw a few short, soft tosses on Wednesday, but didn’t attempt anything longer.
“It’s the strength and actually being able to hold on to the ball,’’ Glenn said. “You want to make sure that it’s all the way there before you say that you’re ready to go.’’
Glenn hasn’t practised this week. He would have liked some time with the offence, but feels he’s experienced enough to start Friday without regular practice repetitions.
“It’s always good to have that rapport with the guys, but I think I’ve played enough games with them to understand what they’re doing.’’ Glenn said. “I’m always in the huddle and in meetings and understanding what we need to do and what we need to accomplish. Even on the plays that I’m not in, I’m still taking mental reps.’’
Glenn said he can deal with the uncertainty because of his confidence in Bridge.
“If Brandon is the guy, then I think he’s more than capable,’’ Glenn said. “He’s played in games and he studies the game. You have to have faith and confidence in your backups or the guys who are next in line. We’ve had receivers who have stepped in and played well. If (Bridge) is the guy, I will support him 100 per cent.’’
There isn’t any doubt about Saskatchewan’s latest signings taking part on Friday. Linebackers Jeff Knox Jr. and Otha Foster III, along with returner Marcus Thigpen, will all be activated.
Knox re-signed with the Riders on Monday after being released by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Foster, a recent cut of the Baltimore Ravens, returned to the Riders on Tuesday — the same day Thigpen was signed.
Foster was disappointed that he didn’t land a position with the Ravens, but returning to the Riders softened the blow. He led the Riders with 71 defensive tackles in 2016, his third consecutive season under head coach Chris Jones. Jones coached the Edmonton Eskimos and co-ordinated their defence in 2014 and 2015 before joining the Riders.
“I basically know all of the plays and that made it easy for me,’’ Foster said. “They have made a few changes, but there isn’t anything I can’t adapt to.’’
The Riders are expected to start Knox and Foster as outside linebackers with Henoc Muamba in the middle. The same trio finished the 2016 season with the Riders and that familiarity should quickly pay dividends.
“Otha is a difference-maker in this defence because he knows the system inside and out,’’ Knox said. “He’s stepping into a good situation because he knows everything.’’