Taylor Shire
Regina Leader-Post
Welcome to another edition of the Roughriders Mailbag where we answer questions readers have about the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
After losing 26-21 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on the weekend, Saskatchewan’s winless skid has reached seven games. Now in the middle of a bye week, the Green and White will return to practice next week ahead of their next game on Sept. 20 against the Calgary Stampeders.
Before then, there are many questions readers have about the Roughriders.
Really, injury updates, when are they expecting to get guys back? From Mojo
Just when a couple of players came off the six-game injured list, a few more went on.
While defensive back Jaxon Ford and linebacker Nick Wiebe came off to make their season debuts last week, offensive linemen Peter Godber (ankle) and Zack Fry (elbow) were placed on the injured list, alongside linebacker Melique Straker (hip).
The Riders currently have 13 players on the six-game injured list. And while there are no updates on Godber, Fry or Straker at this time, it appears some other players could be nearing a return.
Defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II (knee) hasn’t played since July 25, but he could be close as he was spotted doing agility work on the sideline during practice last week.
Running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) has been limited to seven games this year and I would imagine the team decides to activate the bruising back down the stretch when the weather gets colder.
Defensive linemen Christian Albright (knee) and Charbel Dabire (knee) both have serious injuries and I wouldn’t expect them to return this season.
Offensive linemen Philip Blake and Jermarcus Hardrick suffered similar quadriceps injuries and while they weren’t ruled out for the season, it might be hard pressed for them to return this year also.
Meanwhile, the timeline for OL Ryan Sceviour (elbow), OL Jacob Brammer (knee), WR Dohnte Meyers (shoulder) and WR Mitch Picton (ankle) is unclear.
The good thing is this year, the “go 1-0” mantra still applies. West is wide open. Rest up, get guys back, become dangerous for this last stretch. But all the free swings are gone now. Just win. From Scott
It’s crazy to think that despite a seven-game winless skid, the Roughriders can still control their playoff fate.
At 5-7-1, Saskatchewan is one point up on the 5-8 Edmonton Elks for the third and final playoff spot. I imagine it’s going to come down to these two teams who will get into the playoffs alongside the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions, who are both trending upwards with 7-6 records.
In their final five games, the Riders face the 4-8 Calgary Stampeders twice, the Ottawa Redblacks and the Lions. Plus, they gave a game in Week 18 against Edmonton, which could mean a whole lot in the West Division race.
Meanwhile, the Elks face Winnipeg twice, Saskatchewan, Calgary and the Toronto Argonauts to wrap their season.
However, if the Riders don’t pick up at least three wins in their final five games, they could be on the outside looking in come playoff time.
At what point do we platoon QBs Trevor Harris and Shea Patterson? We’re eager to see a shakeup at the pivot position as Harris’s plays seem to be very predictable. We need to make Shea our franchise quarterback because how we’re playing now isn’t working. From Gerry
Harris gives the Roughriders the best chance to win and until they are mathematically eliminated from the playoff race, there’s no need for Patterson to get meaningful snaps.
If Patterson lit up the world during the six games when he filled in for Harris, then you could have a case. He played fine during the stretch and got some valuable reps, which could boost his case to compete for the starting job next year — but that’s next year.
If the Riders want to turn this season around and make the playoffs, a platoon QB system is not the answer in my opinion.
This off-season will have talented free agent QBs available, like Vernon Adams Jr. It’s obvious this offence needs a mobile QB. (Offensive coordinator Marc) Mueller can only use half a playbook if his QB is a pocket passer only. The salaries are similar between the two. Would the Riders make a hard push to get VA? Game changer! From Lee-Anne
I imagine there will be a few teams calling for Adams’ services and the Riders should be one of them.
However, there are other pending free agents worth considering too like Montreal’s Davis Alexander, who has looked elite filling in for Cody Fajardo.
Or do they have next year’s quarterback already in house if they decide to offer Harris a contract extension? What about giving Patterson a shot?
Calgary might be looking for a new starter next season and who knows what the Hamilton Tiger-Cats might do, so yes, Adams’ phone should certainly receive a call from a 306 area code this off-season.
tshire@postmedia.com
