The Saskatchewan Roughriders were on the turf at Mosaic Stadium on Tuesday, the first on-field workout of the week ahead of Saturday’s West Final against the B.C. Lions.
Despite a brisk wind that cooled the 10-degree temperature, the upbeat mood was undisputed, primarily fuelled by the return of several regulars.
Offensive lineman Trevon Tate, who needed surgery to repair a shoulder injury, returned to the field for the first time since June 28 and is in consideration to play on Saturday, according to head coach Corey Mace.
Reigning defensive player of the year, Rolan Milligan Jr. was also back in action working out with the defence despite being limited in the number of reps he took. Milligan missed the last three games of the regular season with a knee and foot injury.
Receiver Dohnte Meyers was also back on the field. Meyers has been out since October 3 against Ottawa. In that game, Meyers caught six passes for 158 yards to put him over the 1,000 receiving yard mark for the first time in his CFL career. The 25-year-old was excited to get back onto the field with his teammates.
“It feels great. Had some time off, but to put the cleats, helmet and jersey on and be back out there with the guys, especially with us trying to go 1-0 this week, it feels good.”
The ankle injury sustained by Meyers was allowed to heal thanks to the Riders clinching the top spot in the West Division. A luxury that the Meyers was afforded thanks to games down the stretch that didn’t impact the standings.
“We're fortunate, it's a byproduct of the work we put in, we clinched the West and had some games to spare. That's a product of hard work; sometimes you get a bone.”
Now in his second season with the Green and White, Meyers also battled injuries in his rookie season with the team limiting him to four games.
“Every step is ordered; you take them as they come. I don't look at things as bad or good, they're all meant to be. Everything's going to happen to turn out the way they're meant to be. I couldn't see this, but I'm blessed and fortunate to be here.”
Mace wouldn’t confirm whether Meyers would be in the lineup, instead saying that all injured players are trending in the right direction to be available on Saturday, which, in Meyers' case, is good for the offence.
“Dohnte has definitely made a bunch of plays. Having the looks of 88, getting some run in there serves well for anybody.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders host the B.C. Lions in the West Final on Saturday. The game will be streamed across the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network. Countdown to Kickoff begins at 2:30 p.m.
