Injuries to Bagg and Owens give others a chance at reps
Murray’s musings, mutterings and monster from Day 17 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium:
GOOD HANDS PEOPLE
Slotbacks Bakari Grant and Caleb Holley warmed up Tuesday by juggling yellow tennis balls. Grant lasted the longest while juggling three balls. It’s unlikely they can take their act on the road, but their ability to juggle has to help with eye-hand co-ordination.
SPECIAL DRILLS
The Riders unveiled a new drill involving downfield coverage on missed field goals. After a fieldgoal attempt was missed, two offensive linemen hustled down the field while fighting off blockers. It was old-school, competitive football with players going mano a mano. Travis Bond, the 356-pound right guard, showed some surprising speed when he hustled from one side of the field to the other to chase down a returner. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
With wide receiver Rob Bagg (ankle) and slotback Chad Owens (shoulder) on the sideline, Holley and Devon Bailey have opportunities to work out with the starters. The Riders are looking for a national to back up Bagg and the more chances that Bailey gets to prove himself, the better. Josh Stanford is also in the mix to back up Bagg. Holley was impressive during portions of the 2017 season, but battled for playing time in the latter part of the campaign. He’s another player who can gain from the exposure and experience of having more repetitions with the starting quarterback.
MAKING MOVES
On Tuesday, the Riders announced the signing of Reggie Hall and released fellow international defensive back Chris Lyles. Lyles dressed for seven games in 2017, registering 19 defensive tackles. He was expendable due to the performances of Nick Marshall and Orlandus Harris.
MURRAY’S MONSTER
Jeremy Cutrer, a first-year defensive back, looked to be down for the count during Tuesday’s skeleton drill. Cutrer was submarined by a fellow defensive back while covering Naaman Roosevelt on a crossing pattern. Cutrer remained on the turf while being tended to by the training staff before walking slowly to the sideline for a break. He then put on his helmet and returned to the field at his regular position of cornerback. Cutrer earned Murray’s Monster for avoiding a serious injury and being able to finish Tuesday’s practice.
MEET THE STARTERS
There aren’t set in stone, but here are the players who started during Tuesday’s practice:
Offence Quarterback: Zach Collaros. Tailback: Jerome Messam. Tackles: Thaddeus Coleman, Terran Vaughn. Guards: Travis Bond, Brendon Labatte.
Centre: Dan Clark.
Slotbacks: Bakari Grant, Naaman Roosevelt, Caleb Holley.
Wide receivers: Duron Carter and Rob Bagg.
Defence
Ends: Willie Jefferson, Charleston Hughes.
Tackles: Zack Evans, Eddie Steele.
Linebackers: Sam Eguavoen, Sam Hurl, Derrick Moncrief. Defensive backs: Nick Marshall, Ed Gainey, Mike Edem, Crezdon Butler, Jovon Johnson.