Owens shines in Roughriders debut
It was just like old times for Chad Owens in his debut with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“I felt like my young self,’’ the 35-yearold slotback said after Tuesday’s closed practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I felt young out there and I felt very energetic. I felt like me.’’
A rejuvenated Owens led the Riders in targets (seven), catches (five) and receiving yards (78) in Friday's 30-7 win over the host Calgary Stampeders. It was Owens' first CFL start since Sept. 16, 2016, when he suffered a broken foot while playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Rider Nation had been waiting to see Owens in action since he signed with the Green and White as a free agent during the off-season. He was initially signed to boost the Riders’ return game, but that didn’t happen while he dealt with the aftereffects of the broken foot.
Owens, nicknamed the Flyin' Hawaiian, spent most of the 2017 season on the injured list before being activated for Friday’s game after receiver Naaman Roosevelt was sidelined with a concussion. Owens then performed like a player who has enjoyed nine stellar CFL seasons, including 2012 when he was named the league's most outstanding player while starring as a receiver and returner for the Toronto Argonauts.
“You could see that Chad of the old days coming back with him running really crisp routes,” Riders quarterback Kevin Glenn said.
Receivers coach Markus Howell wasn't surprised with Owens’ production.
“He has fresh legs because he hasn’t played this year,” Howell said. "He has also been working his tail off on the field and with the training staff. In the last three weeks of practice he has been dynamite and it showed in the game.”
Owens’ first reception as a Rider was a 14-yard pass from Brandon Bridge, who had replaced Glenn early in the first quarter. Owens then hauled in his second reception on a 22-yard pass from Bridge. Three plays later, Tyler Crapigna’s 26yard field goal gave the Riders a 10-1 lead.
“I was extremely revved up,” Owens said. “I was excited to be out there with the guys and competing. I see these guys go to war every week and you just want to help out — whether it’s taking away some of the pressure or whatever the case may be.”
— Murray McCormick