Dickenson takes a relaxed approach post-scrimmage
Murray’s musings, mutterings and monsters after the second weekend of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium:
DAY OF REST
Sunday was mostly a day of rest for the Riders after Saturday’s Green and White game at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The players stretched and then took part in a walk-through before heading indoors for meetings.
“You have to get the game out of them,” head coach Craig Dickenson said after Sunday’s 45-minute session. “Oftentimes, some guys like to go out after the game and have a few beers. We want to run them to sweat out whatever we need to sweat out of them.”
REAVES SIDELINED
Dickenson confirmed defensive end/special-teamer Jordan Reaves would start the season on the six-game injured list after suffering a knee injury May 20.
Reaves will need surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He tweeted that the injury is season ending.
“Unfortunately we’re going to lose one of our best guys in special teams from last year,” Dickenson said. “That’s a void we’re going to need to address. Maybe one of these young guys can step up and fill that void.”
ROSTER NEWS
Linebacker Solomon Elimimian and receivers Mitch Picton and Justin Mcinnis were on the field for Sunday’s session, which is a good sign.
Elimimian, a second vice-president with the CFL Players’ Association, was away while meeting with teams regarding the new collective-bargaining agreement. Injuries have sidelined Picton (undisclosed) and Mcinnis (hamstring).
Centre Dan Clark continues to work his way into shape after being involved in a single-vehicle rollover on May 7. Clark won’t participate in Friday’s pre-season game in Calgary against the Stampeders.
MURRAY’S MONSTERS
Here are the top performers from Saturday’s Green and White game:
Offence: K.D. Cannon put on a quite a show, with four receptions for 86 yards, and was targeted seven times. His best reception was a 47-yard, overthe-shoulder connection with David Watford. Five plays later, the duo connected on a 26-yard completion. Cannon has been solid throughout training camp and Saturday’s performance was a continuation of that showing.
Defence: Javier Garcia earned a Monster after picking off an Isaac Harker pass and returning it 77 yards for a touchdown. The offensive players didn’t pursue Garcia because they knew that the pick was the final play of the scrimmage even though the whistle hadn’t been blown. Garcia, one of three prospects selected in the Mexican draft, was mobbed by his defensive teammates after the pick-six.
Special Teams: The Riders know what punter Jon Ryan and placekicker Brett Lauther are capable of doing due to their experience. That created an opportunity Saturday for Felix Menard-briere to put his best foot forward. He hit three of four field-goal attempts, splitting the uprights from 32, 32 and 20 yards. The lone miss was from 48 yards. He had enough distance, but the ball bounced off the right upright.