SECOND CHANCE FOR REAVES
At Riders camp after drug acquittal
Murray’s musings, mutterings and monster from Day 4 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium:
HEARTBREAK FOR HARTY: Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, confirmed Wednesday that national receiver Jake Harty is sidelined for the season with a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament. Harty, who signed with the Riders as a free agent after three seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks, suffered the injury on Sunday. The injury has provided an opportunity for
Devon Bailey to step up. Bailey has responded with a good camp, according to Jones.
TIME MANAGEMENT: Jones ended Wednesday’s practice 90 minutes earlier than scheduled. He accomplished that by eliminating some of the drills and increasing the pace of play. However, Jones said the team did get in as many repetitions as during a two-a-day session. The difference was the pace of play, as the players were operating at game speed.
BALL HAWK: Having a nose for the ball is an attribute all good defensive backs share. On Wednesday, Orlandus Harris exhibited that trait while playing defensive halfback, registering two interceptions and a knockdown. He has a great break on the ball and seems to have the ability to judge where quarterbacks are throwing to. Saskatchewan’s veteran secondary is deep,
but there is always room for players with the skills Harris has shown early on.
CARTER CHECK: There was buzz around Wednesday’s practice when it appeared wide receiver and defensive back Duron Carter wasn’t on the field. Carter was there, as it turned out, but for some reason was wearing his green jersey inside-out. That meant you couldn’t see his No. 89. Carter spent another day primarily working with the defence. It was also a mixed bag as Carter spent some time at defensive halfback and cornerback. He didn’t look out of place at defensive halfback. The position change is all part of Jones’ plans for players to understand different positions in the defensive scheme.
MURRAY’S MONSTER: Jordan Williams-Lambert earned an invitation to the Riders’ main camp after a standout performance at the team’s spring mini-camp in Bradenton, Fla. At six-foot-three and 228 pounds, Williams-Lambert has the size Jones covets at receiver. The international receiver also has the speed and great hands that stood out during Wednesday’s session. Williams-Lambert had a couple of nice sideline catches, and a routine reception across the middle. He also slipped by Carter for a touchdown on a deep pass from Marquise Williams. A performance like that of Williams-Lambert was more than enough for him to be named Murray’s Monster.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Christion Jones made a major impression in 2017 during his rookie season in the CFL, returning two punts for a touchdown in the regular season and taking another return the distance in the East Division final. He has seen spot duty at wide receiver when he’s not busy returning punts and kickoffs. That’s another part of the Riders’ plans to make sure he is prepared if they need him to fill in at wide receiver. Chris Jones added that Christion Jones would only be used sparingly at wide receiver in an effort to keep him fresh for returns.