Riders moving on without ‘best offensive lineman’
For the first time this season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing to play a game without Brendon LaBatte.
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, said the veteran offensive lineman “probably” won’t play when the Riders visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Nov. 12 in the CFL’s East Division semifinal. LaBatte suffered an injury to his left leg in Saturday’s 28-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos at Mosaic Stadium.
LaBatte started all 18 regularseason games for the Riders, splitting time between centre and left guard. He was named the team’s most outstanding offensive lineman.
“Anytime you lose your best offensive lineman, it’s tough,” Jones said. “I don’t think anyone in the league would want to get up in the morning and have that happen to your team.”
LaBatte showed his versatility when centre Dan Clark was injured in Week 6. LaBatte started nine games at centre before returning to left guard in Week 14, when Clark returned.
Bruce Campbell took over at left tackle when LaBatte moved to centre. Derek Dennis, who started the season at left tackle, moved to left guard. Guard Peter Dyakowski and right tackle Thaddeus Coleman remained in their regular positions.
Rookie Dariusz Bladek filled in at right guard on Saturday when Dyakowski moved to left guard. The Riders could activate Dennis, who was a healthy scratch on Saturday, to play left guard.
“We are fortunate that we have depth here and a lot of good guys who can play,” Dyakowski said. “Derek had to rest up a couple of games. I’ve seen him in the weight room and at practice every day. He looks good and the train is going to keep rolling.’’
Cornerback Jovon Johnson left Saturday’s game after a helmetto-helmet collision with Vidal Hazelton. Jones said the veteran will be evaluated later in the week, although Johnson tweeted “I’m fine everyone!” after the game.