Five mini-camp questions
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders begin their on-field preparations for the 2015 CFL season today with a three-day mini-camp in Bradenton, Fla. Here are five questions facing the Riders when they gather at the IMG Academy. Battle of the backups
A previous engagement will keep Kevin Glenn from attending the mini-camp, which is voluntary for veterans. Glenn’s absence means more repetitions for backup quarterbacks Tino Sunseri, Seth Doege and Brett Smith. Sunseri and Doege both have CFL experience and that should help their cause in the early going. Smith needs to show that he can adjust to the Canadian game in his first CFL mini-camp. Training camp will ultimately decide the quarterback depth chart. The mini-camp is an opportunity for Sunseri, Doege and Smith to take steps toward earning a spot on the team. Elbow bending
The mini-camp isn’t all about the health of Darian Durant’s right elbow; it just feels that way. The Riders’ franchise quarterback hasn’t played since suffering a torn tendon in his right elbow in the third quarter of a 30-24 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 7. He asked to throw at the mini-camp and how he fares will be the focus whenever he attempts a pass. A strong outing would ease many of the concerns regarding his health with training camp on the horizon. Jacques talk
There is a heavy emphasis on offence at the mini-camp, partially due to the off-season departure of offensive co-ordinator George Cortez. Jacques Chapdelaine was hired as the offensive co-ordinator and the mini-camp provides the Riders with an opportunity to start learning his offensive scheme. Chapdelaine favours an offence in which the quarterback releases the ball quickly and utilizes the playmakers. Saskatchewan’s offence was hardly effective in 2014, even when Durant was under centre. Chapdelaine needs to develop chemistry with Durant and re-ignite the team’s passing attack. Mini-camp is a good place to begin those processes. The Dressler factor
Durant’s injury meant he barely played six quarters with slotback Weston Dressler, who returned to the Riders on Aug. 27 after a failed tryout with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. Dressler signed a four-year contract during the off-season and is looking forward to having a full training camp in the Riders’ offence. Durant and Dressler have chemistry and have proven that over the years. With Chapdelaine emphasizing getting the ball to playmakers, Dressler could return to the form he showed in 2013 while helping the Riders win the Grey Cup. That process really started in Bradenton that season with Durant and the other receivers. The Riders are hoping that takes place again in 2015. The knee factor
The Riders gambled in the off-season with the signing of Jamel Richardson, a 33-year-old slotback who hasn’t played since August of 2013 after blowing out his left knee while practising with the Montreal Alouettes. He didn’t take part in Montreal’s training camp in 2014 and was released soon after training camp. When healthy, Richardson was among the league’s premier receivers. The Riders are hoping that his knee holds up in 2015. The two-time CFL all-star and 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup champion can make strides toward addressing concerns regarding his knee in Bradenton.