LaBatte excited to return to Roughriders’ lineup
Brendon LaBatte has an additional reason to look forward to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ regularseason opener.
While missing most of the 2016 season with what was eventually diagnosed as a bruised nerve in his neck, the seven-time all-star guard dealt with an extended hiatus for the first time as a CFLer.
“Right after it happened last year, I was thinking last August and September that I was going to be probably done playing,” recalled LaBatte, 30. “That’s probably where most of the soul-searching came from.
“Once I got word in December that there was nothing seriously wrong and the doctor didn’t have any reservations about me going out and playing again, that put my mind at ease and I was able to have a pretty good off-season.”
The Weyburn-born LaBatte does not report any ill effects from the neck injury, suffered during the Riders’ third game of the 2016 season.
The only current issue is an ankle injury that nagged him during training camp and the pre-season, but he is ready for Thursday’s road game against the Montreal Alouettes.
“I think when you come back (from an injury), you just appreciate (football) a little more,” LaBatte said.
“Everybody has heard that any play can be your last play, but once you’ve actually had to sit out for a little while because of an injury like that, it just puts into perspective how lucky you are to go out there and play.”
Roughriders head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations Chris Jones feels fortunate to have LaBatte back in the lineup.
“Certainly, he’s one of the best guards in the league,” Jones said. “We’re hoping that he can get through the first couple of games and get his feet back under him. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and we look forward to having him on our roster.”
Nic Demski is to start at wide receiver Thursday in place of fellow international Rob Bagg (ankle). Bagg is expected to return for the July 1 home game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“Nic’s a good player,” Jones said. “He can play a multitude of positions. He can be our lead returner if we decided to (go that route).”
Chad Owens was expected to be the featured returner, but the 35-year-old veteran has yet to satisfactorily recover from a broken foot he suffered with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last season.
“Owens should be (sidelined) an extended period of time,” Jones said.
“The X-rays showed that it was about 98 per cent, but when he went out the other day, he felt a little bit of twinge on it. We just don’t want to do any further damage, because he’s got one more roll at this thing. We want to make sure when we do put him out there that he’s 100 per cent.”
Ricky Collins Jr., is expected to handle the returns Thursday.
Jones was asked Tuesday if the Roughriders are interested in quarterback Drew Willy, a recent cut of the Toronto Argonauts.
“Not right now,” Jones responded.
The Riders’ roster includes three quarterbacks — Kevin Glenn, Brandon Bridge and Marquise Williams.
Jones has kept tabs on Jake Heaps, who attended the team’s April mini-camp in Florida. Heaps subsequently signed with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, only to be released.
“He’s still looking around down there,” Jones said. “We want guys that when they come here, they’re not looking in the rear-view mirror. They’re looking at how they can help this football team.”
The Riders have released national receiver Joshua Stanford and international linebacker Myke Tavarres.