DURANT ADVANCING
Injured QB wants to throw at mini-camp.
The significance of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ mini-camp may have increased now that franchise quarterback Darian Durant has indicated he wants to take part.
The Riders are to be in Bradenton, Fla., from April 10-12 for a mini-camp that was expected to feature prospects or players on the CFL team’s negotiation list, along with select veteran players — likely the receivers.
Durant, who is recovering from a torn tendon in his right elbow, was also expected to be at the mini-camp but as an observer. It was unlikely that Durant would throw.
Those plans have changed, at least according to Riders assistant general manager Jeremy O’Day. O’Day told the media Wednesday that Durant wants to test his throwing arm during the mini-camp.
“Darian will throw at mini-camp,’’ O’Day said. “I can’t tell you exactly how many throws. It won’t be like a pitch count in baseball or anything like that. He’ll be there. How many practices and throws he makes will be up to Corey (Chamblin, the Riders’ head coach) and him.’’
Durant was sidelined for nine games, including the playoffs, in 2014 after injuring his right elbow in a 30-24 win over the host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 7. Durant, 32, spent a portion of the off-season in Regina working on his recovery and throwing the football.
“Darian made it very clear that he wants to throw at the mini-camp,’’ O’Day said. “He didn’t want to come down, observe and go through the meetings. He wants to participate at the mini-camp. It’s good for all of us to see where he’s at.’’
Durant’s recovery is progressing. He posted on his Facebook page last week: “Elbow is great ... can’t wait to bring the cup back to #RiderNation.’’ That doesn’t mean the Riders’ brass won’t be watching how the franchise’s No. 1 quarterback throws the ball.
“When you have a quarterback of his calibre, you’re kind of watching because he’s out there,’’ O’Day said. “When he’s coming off an injury, you’re going to be interested in how he throws.
“Darian has probably answered all of those questions with his own workouts. It would be nice for us to see him.’’