Injury reunites Durant, Joseph
It was Throwback Thursday at the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ practice.
For the first time since the 2007 CFL season, quarterbacks Darian Durant and Kerry Joseph were practising together at Mosaic Stadium.
In 2007, Joseph was Saskatchewan’s starting quarterback and Durant was a third-string pivot in his second CFL season. The Riders would go on to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 in the 2007 Grey Cup game with Joseph starting at quarterback.
Fast forward to 2014 and different circumstances have led to Joseph and Durant being on the same team. Joseph was brought in on Oct. 9 to add experience and leadership to the quarterback position while Durant recovers from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right elbow.
Thursday was the first time Durant was actually in a helmet and pads since injuring his right elbow in a 30-24 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 7. Joseph, meanwhile, is preparing for what will likely be his first start since re-signing with the Riders, who are to play host to the Edmonton Eskimos on Sunday.
“It’s funny, because he helps me now,’’ Joseph said of Durant. “He’s so in tune with the playbook that he gives me little nuggets of things with my drop, how to look at this, how to read this.
“The roles have turned a little bit. It’s just great for him to be out there because he’s the leader of this football team. You can tell guys truly miss him but, at the same time, we’ve got to keep playing and the guys realize that.’’
Durant didn’t attempt a pass during practice. He practised his footwork and simulated his throwing motion without a football in his throwing hand. Durant wasn’t made available to the media on Thursday.
Head coach Corey Chamblin said Durant’s appearance is part of the quarterback’s rehabilitation.
“I can’t give you a date (for Durant’s return),’’ Chamblin said.
“Hopefully next week we see a little more progression and we can move on from there.’’
Durant’s stint on the sixgame injured list is to expire next week and he’s expected to be activated for the Oct. 24 game in Calgary against the Stampeders. The Riders are then on a bye week. The Riders are targeting a rematch against the visiting Eskimos on Nov. 8 as a possible return date for Durant.
That scenario is in the future. Joseph felt it was good for the Riders to see their No. 1 quarterback practising again.
“It’s good for him to be out there for just the camaraderie of the team,’’ Joseph said.