Watson making an impression with strong performance
WATCHING WATSON
The Riders’ signing of freeagent Cory Watson was curious, considering the national receiver turned 35 in March.
He had been serviceable during his 10 seasons in the CFL, but why did the Riders sign him as opposed to a younger player?
Watson has responded to those questions with a strong performance during training camp.
Due to injuries, Watson was the only Canadian receiver on the wide side of the field. That led to more opportunities, of which he took advantage.
At six-foot-three and 220 pounds, he’s big target who makes the tough catches look easy. He is also sure-handed, which means quarterbacks seem to be targeting him. He also possesses blocking ability.
The Riders are getting healthier in terms of Canadian receivers with Monday’s return of Mitchell Picton from a lower-body injury.
Justin Mcinnis and Brayden Lenius, who were the Riders’ first two picks in the 2019 CFL draft, remain sidelined with hamstring injuries. They are both expected to return to the field next week.
Until then, the Riders know they can count on Watson to make the tough catches while contributing to the offence.
MURRAY’S MONSTER
Deon King has stepped up at middle linebacker in the extended absence of Solomon Elimimian.
Elimimian, the CFL Players’ Association’s second vice-president, has missed training camp while meeting with teams across the CFL regarding the new collective-bargaining agreement. The Riders signed Elimimian on May 10 after he had been released by the B.C. Lions after nine stellar seasons.
Elimimian’s absence has created more repetitions with the first-team defence for King, who was a late-season practice-roster addition by the Riders in 2018.
On Monday, King showed his closing speed while knocking down a pass attempt intended for running back Kienan Lafrance. It was a solid defensive play for the 25-year-old King and earned him the label of Murray’s Monster.
King may have more chances to step up because Elimimian could be sidelined for a few days while dealing with a calf injury. There isn’t any rush to get Elimimian on the field with King playing like he is.
WHAT HAPPENED TO MCROBERTS?
International receiver Paul Mcroberts stole the show on
Day 2 of training camp with four acrobatic catches, including a spinning one-handed reception and a smooth over-the-shoulder grab. Alas, we haven’t seen anything else from Mcroberts, who has battled illness, sinus problems and a toothache since that breakout performance.
It’s not known when the 6-foot3, 192-pounder will return to the field. His performance is a reminder not to get too high or too low on a prospect during one day of training camp.
“That’s why in staff meetings we try to withhold our opinions on players until Day 3 or Day 4,” Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said. “Part of the value for a player is availability. If he can’t find the practice field because he’s hurt, his value drops.”