Jones lets Carter’s talents flourish
Player may play on both sides of the ball against Als as coach keeps options open
The Saskatchewan Roughriders don’t have any plans to curtail Duron Carter’s multi-purpose contributions.
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, confirmed Monday that the CFL team’s leading receiver will start Friday at cornerback against the visiting Montreal Alouettes and also see some playing time on offence.
Carter didn’t see any action on offence in Friday’s 30-7, playoff-clinching win over the host Calgary Stampeders, but he may play on both sides of the ball Friday.
“He’s a pretty good receiver and he’s done that for a long time,’’ Jones said after Monday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “My job now that we’re in the playoffs is to make sure that we have the healthiest bodies available to attempt to win this next football game and put us in position to have the healthiest roster possible in the playoffs. That’s our goal and if that includes (Carter) playing cornerback until Kacy (Rodgers II) is 100 per cent healthy, that’s the way we will go.’’
Jones didn’t rule out Carter returning to his regular position in the post-season.
“He’s a natural receiver,’’ Jones said. “If he was fully devoted to being a defensive back, he could be among the best in the league.’’
Carter recorded two defensive tackles and returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown to seal the win over the Stampeders. He leads the Riders in receiving yards (1,037) and his eight touchdown receptions tie him for the team lead with Naaman Roosevelt.
Carter came into Friday’s game having recorded 11 receptions for 231 yards in a 33-32 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on Oct. 13.
Carter said he received a seasonhigh grade of 89 — five points better than his best as a wide receiver — on Friday. Now he is preparing to face his former team.
He spent two-plus seasons with Montreal before being released last October. He signed with the Riders as a free agent during the off-season.
“I like being that utility guy and I can plug up any spot,’’ Carter said. “I just like having fun. I know when I’m out there I will make a play. So hopefully I’m out there.’’
Carter had not started at cornerback at any level of football until Friday.
“Offence is lot more structured,’’ he noted. “You know where you’re getting the ball and when you’re not getting the ball. On defence you can go out there and play your game. On any play, you can make a play and I like that.’’
Where Carter’s versatility will lead him beyond the 2017 season remains to be seen. He can file for free agency during the off-season if he doesn’t re-sign with the Riders.
“I don’t even have a job next year so I have to find one,’’ Carter said.
Jones, meanwhile, reiterated that Kevin Glenn would start at quarterback against the Alouettes. Glenn was replaced by Brandon Bridge after just two possessions Friday. Glenn completed one of three passes for 19 yards and was sacked twice.
The 38-year-old Glenn was surprised that he was yanked so quickly, but took the decision in stride.
“You can’t worry about things you can’t control,’’ he said. “There are a lot of other things that are more troublesome than that. I’ve been around 17 years and I’ve seen a lot and why would I let something like that upset me? You want to be out there playing, but if I have no control over it, there isn’t anything I can do about it.’’
The fact the Riders won Friday made it easier for Glenn to accept the quarterback change.
“The team is what’s important,’’ Glenn said. “I will never take my personal feelings and put them above the team. People know what type of person I am and I’m a team guy first. The ultimate goal is for the team to be successful.’’
Notes: Roosevelt is to miss his second consecutive game Friday due to a concussion he suffered against the Redblacks … Guard Derek Dennis is expected to return to the active roster after being sidelined for one game by a back injury ... Linebacker Samuel Eguavoen will miss Friday’s game with an undisclosed injury.
On defence you can go out there and play your game. On any play, you can make a play and I like that.