Roughriders’ Bertrand-Hudon becomes first to wear Guardian cap

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Thomas Bertrand-Hudon decided to take all the necessary precautions available to him.

After suffering a concussion earlier this year, the Saskatchewan Roughriders backup running back became the first player in the CFL to wear a Guardian cap in a regular season game when the Roughriders hosted the Montreal Alouettes on Friday night in Week 11.

“I already had a concussion at the beginning of the year on kickoff (duty) actually,” Bertrand-Hudon said this week as the Riders get set for Thursday night’s game against the Toronto Argonauts. “They took me off for a little bit and it was my first game back at kickoff, so I just wanted to be safe.

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“It wasn’t my first (concussion), that’s why I decided to actually come back with the safest option I could have done.”

In 2023, the CFL mandated the use of the padded helmet shell for offensive and defensive linemen, running backs and linebackers during training camp and contact practices during the season.

After the CFL said the Guardian caps — and other safety measures — led to a 42 per cent decrease in training camp concussions in 2023, the league expanded the safety protocol this year to include defensive backs and receivers, while also allowing players to wear them during games.

For Bertrand-Hudon, he could notice the extra protection during the game — in a good way.

“There’s definitely less rebound from the first contact from the helmet,” said the 27-year-old. “It’s just less rebound and less strong contact from the first hit.

“It felt very good. I came out of the game absolutely healthy at 100 per cent. No headaches or nothing so I’d say it worked pretty well.”

After the game, the Mont-Saint-Hilarie, Que. product even had a few players from across the league reach out.

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“They all asked me how it was and if it was a good idea to wear it,” said the 6-foot, 227-pounder, who is in his second CFL season after being drafted by the Riders in 2023. “Hopefully they might wear it also.

“I’d say for a guy that comes back from concussion, I think it’d be a pretty good idea maybe to try and wear it just for when they come back. Outside of that, it should still be a player’s preference.”

According to the manufacturer, Guardian Sports, the soft-shell cap reduces impact by 33 per cent.

South of the border, the NFL has also allowed players to wear Guardian caps during games this year. A few players, including Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman James Daniels, wore the soft-shell covers during pre-season action on the weekend but it remains to be seen if players will wear them during the regular season.

For Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, a CFL and NFL former defensive lineman, he sees the Guardian caps as a positive step forward for player safety, especially for blockers like Bertrand-Hudon.

“The amount of special teams and stuff that Thomas does and plays, it’s a physical sport,” said Mace. “If players are comfortable wearing it and it’s something that (makes) they feel safe and they feel like they need to do, that’s what it’s there for.

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“If Thomas was the one that kind of started the flood gates, so to speak for it, then good on him.”

While Bertrand-Hudon never intended to be a trendsetter, he hopes that it leads to more players donning Guardian caps, including at the youth level. According to Guardian Sports, the caps, which were created in 2020, are already being worn by by thousands of high schools and youth programs across North America.

“I never had it in my head the fact that I was going to be the first one — it was always just mainly my health at the decision,” said Bertrand-Hudon. “I guess I’m happy I’m the first one.

“Hopefully I can encourage a lot of kids especially when they start younger to actually wear it.”

Injury report

After returning from a three-game absence last week, running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) will be out of the lineup once again on Thursday in Toronto. Frankie Hickson is expected to draw the start.

At receiver, Mitch Picton (ankle) will be sidelined for a few weeks after being hurt against Montreal. Kian Schaffer-Baker (shoulder) has a chance to be pulled from the six-game injured list week after logging two full practices. Fellow receiver Ajou Ajou (finger) could also return to the lineup.

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Defensively, cornerback Amari Henderson (shoulder) will head to the injured list this week meaning Deontai Williams will draw back into the lineup. Meanwhile, linebacker C.J. Avery (head), linebacker Melique Straker (hamstring) and defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado (head) are also available to return.

For Toronto, quarterback Chad Kelly will make his first start of the season against the Riders after serving a nine-game suspension.

tshire@postmedia.com

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