Collaros the clear starter as Watford, Daniels vie for No. 3
Murray’s musings, mutterings and monster from Day 16 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium:
QUARTERBACK WATCH
Monday’s practice provided a look at the Riders’ possible quarterback rotation for Friday’s preseason game against the visiting Calgary Stampeders.
Zach Collaros was first up and worked primarily with the starters. He looked sharp in the few times that he threw the ball downfield. Collaros was followed by Brandon Bridge, who also seemed to handle the windy conditions. David Watford was third, followed by B.J. Daniels.
Based on Monday’s rotation, it appears that Collaros will start against Calgary with Bridge to follow. Watford and Daniels are both competing to be the third quarterback on the active roster.
Watford and Daniels both have strong arms and have improved as training camp has progressed. It’s likely their performances on Friday will determine who makes the active roster.
GAME-DAY PREPS
The Riders have switched from training-camp to game-day mode with Friday’s contest looming.
With that in mind, Monday was designated as Day 1, Tuesday will be Day 2 and Wednesday is Day 3. Thursday will be a regular walk-through, but in Regina as the Riders will have broken camp in Saskatoon.
MURRAY’S MONSTER
Orlandus Harris got off to a fast start at training camp, with two interceptions and a knock-down over the first four days.
After a bit of a lull, Harris was back in the forefront Monday after making a great break on a sideline pass from Watford. Harris wasn’t able to complete the interception, but the speed with which he closed was impressive.
Harris later made another quick break to knock down another pass.
Those defensive plays were the reason why Harris is Murray’s Monster.
MAKING MOVES
The Riders announced the signings of international running back David Cobb and international defensive back Aaron Ivory on Monday.
The team also released three internationals — receiver Antwane Grant, defensive back Daniel Davie and defensive lineman Johnny Maxey. Grant played five games with the Riders in 2017, registering seven receptions for 107 yards.
The Tennessee Titans selected Cobb in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft out of the University of Minnesota.
He missed half of his rookie season due to a calf injury and finished the year with 146 yards on 52 carries.
He joins the Riders after stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears.
PITCH COUNT
Jones is making a concession to the wear and tear that running back Jerome Messam has experienced over nine CFL seasons.
Jones said that the 33-year-old Messam is on a “pitch count.” The limited number of repetitions is to ensure that the Messam is playing at a high level when the regular season begins.
INJURY WATCH
Receiver Rob Bagg didn’t practise Monday due to what Jones said was an ankle injury ... There wasn’t any update on slotback Chad Owens, who apparently suffered a shoulder injury Friday.