SWITCHING GEARS
Riders getting set to adapt
The transition from the CFL preseason to the regular season is a short one for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Green and White has two on-field sessions scheduled before Thursday’s regular-season opener in Montreal against Darian Durant and the Alouettes.
The Riders are to practice Monday and Tuesday at Mosaic Stadium before departing Tuesday afternoon for Montreal.
“It’s pro football and you have to be able to adapt and adjust to the scheduling,’’ veteran offensive tackle Derek Dennis said after Friday’s 42-10 pre-season loss to the host B.C. Lions. “This is the CFL and I’ve been up here long enough to understand that ... You just have to mentally turn your focus to Montreal and take care of your body.’’
A lot of bodies were taken care of Saturday when the Riders announced their cuts and other roster moves. Injured lists don’t have to be announced until the day before the Riders’ regular-season opener.
The biggest name among the 20 players released by the Riders was quarterback Vince Young, a former collegiate and NFL star who was attempting a comeback at 34. Young suffered a torn hamstring on June 6 and was expected to take four to six weeks to recover.
Young didn’t appear in either of the Riders’ pre-season games, which likely contributed to his release. Despite his extensive NFL experience, he’s still considered a CFL rookie and the Riders could therefore release him without any obligation on their part.
Bryan Bennett, who was impressive during training camp, was released after struggling during both of his pre-season appearances.
The other veterans released Saturday were running back Anthony Allen, receiver/returner Joe Craig, offensive lineman Jarriel King, defensive linemen Ivan Brown, Greg Milhouse Jr., and Jordan Reaves and linebacker Dillon Grondin.
Receiver Mitchell Picton, a University of Regina Rams product, was one of four prospects placed on the suspended list. According to riderville.com, Picton is expected to return to the Rams for his fifth and final Canada West season.
With the moves in mind, here’s an unofficial look at the Riders’ starters heading into the regular season. The depth charts are based on information that appears on the Riders’ website and are subject to change. Internationals are denoted by an asterisk.
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Kevin Glenn*. Backups: Brandon Bridge, Marquise Williams*.
RUNNING BACKS/ FULLBACKS
Starting tailback: Cameron Marshall*.
Backups: Kienan LaFrance, Greg Morris, Jonathan Thebaud. Starting fullback: Spencer Moore. Backup: Albert Awachie.
RECEIVERS
Starters: WR Rob Bagg, WR Duron Carter*, SB Naaman Roosevelt*, SB Bakari Grant*, SB Caleb Holley*. Backups: SB Nic Demski, WR Ricky Collins Jr.*, WR Joshua Stanford, WR Antwane Grant*.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Starters: RT Thaddeus Coleman*, RG Josiah St. John, C Dan Clark, LG Brendon LaBatte, LT Derek Dennis*.
Backups: Dariusz Bladek, Peter Dyakowski, Dillon Guy, Eddie Meredith, Ryan White, Brendon Philogene.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Starters: DE Willie Jefferson*, DE A.C. Leonard*, DT Eddie Steele, DT Zach Minter.
Backups: DE Jonathan Newsome*, DE Davis Tull*, DE Tobi Antigha*, DE D.J. Pettway*, DT Ese Mrabure, DT Linden Gaydosh, DT Makana Henry.
LINEBACKER
Starters: MLB Henoc Muamba, OLB Kevin Francis, OLB Eric Dargan*.
Backups: Samuel Eguavoen*, Brandyn Bartlett, Derrick Moncrief*, Glenn Love*, Myke Tavarres*, Cameron Judge.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Starters: CB Kacy Rodgers*, CB Chris Lyles*, S Jeff Hecht, HB Ed Gainey*, HB Sam Williams*. Backups: CB Tevaughn Campbell, S Mike Edem, DB Mike Dubbuisson, Denzel Radford.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter: Josh Bartel, Quinn van Gylswyk.
Placekicker: Tyler Crapigna, Quinn van Gylswyk.
Long-snapper: Jorgen Hus. Returners: Chad Owens*, Ricky Collins Jr*, Nic Demski, Duron Carter*, Ed Gainey*.
SATURDAY’S ROSTER MOVES
Released: DB Royce Adams*, RB Anthony Allen*, QB Bryan Bennett*, DB Zavian Bingham*, DL Ivan Brown, DB Crezdon Butler*, OL Terrence Campbell*, WR Joe Craig*, LB Alexander Gagne, DB Warren Gatewood*, LB Dillon Grondin, OL Jarriel King*, WR Thomas Mayo*, DL Greg Milhouse Jr.*, WR Desmond Reece,* DE Jordan Reaves, DB Mark Roberts*, WR Jenson Stoshak*, RB Quincy Walden*, QB Vince Young*.
Practice roster: WR Antwane Grant*, DL Makana Henry, OL Eddie Meredith, DE D.J. Pettway*, DB Denzel Radford, WR Joshua Stanford, LB Myke Tavarres*. Suspended: OL Emmanuel Adusei, LB Alexandre Chevrier, DB Ahmad Fulwood*, SB Mitchell Picton.