Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp continues in Saskatoon as the team works to evaluate their roster and prepare for this weekend’s pre-season game in Winnipeg.
Tuesday was a slightly warmer day at Griffiths Stadium. The temperature was nine degrees celsius, but the wind and rain held off for the majority of the practice.
Players started the day in helmets, shorts, and jerseys before head coach Corey Mace stopped the workout to allow the players to head back into the dressing room to put on shoulder pads for the remainder of the practice.
With pads on, the Riders focused on several offence versus defence drills. Highlights included Kian Schaffer-Baker making a contested catch between a pair of defenders for 25 yards off a Trevor Harris pass. Running back A.J. Ouellette followed the blocking of Logan Ferland and Jermarcus Hardrick and ran for 40 yards for a touchdown off the left side of the defence.
On day 10 of camp, there were more injuries to report. Defensive lineman Charbel Dabire left the practice, favouring his leg and received treatment before returning to the locker room. Offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon was also not on the field. Instead, Gagnon was on the sidelines with his arm in a sling after the workout. Mace confirmed Gagnon is undergoing more medical imaging to determine the extent of the injury.
Also not on the field:
No. 91 Aaron Patrick
No. 5 Shane Ray
No. 50 Seth Hundeby — limited participation.
No. 81 Mitch Picton
No. 85 D’Sean Mimbs
No. 15 Shawn Bane Jr.
No. 75 Dalton Urban
No. 31 Kosi Onyeka
On the field, an interesting battle is brewing in the linebacking core. With Adam Auclair's departure in the offseason, a pair of Canadians are vying for his spot.
A.J. Allen, who worked out for the Denver Broncos in the offseason after tying for the CFL lead in special teams tackles, is getting reps at weak-side linebacker, an opportunity he’s earned, according to his head coach.
“Certainly, we know what he can do on special teams. On defence, he’s a really good blitzer, he’s got great hands in his pass rush as well.
Allen isn’t the only new face in the linebacker room, Jayden Dalke is transitioning from defensive back. The 28-year-old Dalke was asked to change positions in the offseason.
“I'm getting more used to it each day. It's been a smoother transition not having to relearn the playbook, but they're getting me right on the technique.”
Dalke's versatility is what Mace likes to see from his defenders.
“Everywhere on defence, he can play multiple spots, which really helps us. His communication and understanding of what the back end is doing and being able to insert him in at linebacker, even if it's not a sub package, you can do a little bit more from that standpoint. He’s a great special-teams player who can hit, blitz, and run all day.”
The Roughriders resume practicing on Wednesday, preparing for Saturday’s game in the Manitoba capital, which can be heard across the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.