Running back Ryquell Armstead and receiver Shawn Bane Jr. are not expected to play this week for the Roughriders, who visit the Elks Saturday
Article content
As the Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to practice on Tuesday, the Green and White were without a couple of offensive playmakers.
Running back Ryquell Armstead and receiver Shawn Bane Jr. were absent from the workout after both were injured in Saskatchewan’s 29-16 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday in Week 17 of the CFL season.
After a 207-yard performance in his Rider debut against the Calgary Stampeders in Week 16, Armstead carried the ball 10 times for 32 yards against the Redblacks before leaving the game with a shoulder injury.
Advertisement 2
Article content
As the Roughriders (7-7-1) look for their third consecutive victory as they get set to visit the Edmonton Elks (5-10) on Saturday (5 p.m., TSN), it appears they could be without Armstead, who was signed by the club on Sept. 16.
“I think that first game matched with the second one, he took a couple good shots in there so we’re going to slow play it here over the week and then made a decision,” said Riders’ head coach Corey Mace. “For me, you’ve got to practise for the most part to get in (the game) so we’ll see.”
Meanwhile, running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) returned to practice in limited fashion for the first time since being hurt in Week 11. However, Mace doesn’t want to rush Ouellette back into the lineup.
“I want to be smart with A.J.,” Mace said of Ouellette, who has been limited to seven games this season. “When we (bring him back), we know exactly how he’s going to play.
“Certainly, as the weather turns a little bit, he’s a guy that you’re going to want out there, so we’ll be smart with it but it’s great to see him back out there.”
Running back Frankie Hickson — who has been a healthy scratch for the past two weeks — got most of the reps with the starting offence on Tuesday and could be in line to make his seventh start of the season.
Headline News
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
“I’m always waiting for my opportunity and always ready to go when it comes,” said Hickson, who has carried the ball 76 times this season for 392 yards and a touchdown, including a 117-yard performance against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 8.
As for Bane, he took a low hit while attempting to catch a ball against the Redblacks and didn’t return to the game. After Tuesday’s practice, Mace didn’t provide details on the knee injury but hinted that Bane will likely miss time.
“It’s not looking the greatest,” said Mace. “(But) I think we might have dodged a few bullets; I’m hoping it’s not the case that everybody would think it is.
“Imminent return? No.”
Jerreth Sterns — who has been a healthy scratch for the past five games — will likely draw back into the starting lineup in Bane’s spot this week.
“First I just want to send my prayers to Bane and wish him a speedy recovery,” said Sterns, who has 25 receptions for 324 yards this season. “That’s my guy. He’s been a mentor for me since I’ve been here.
“But hopefully it’s just a good opportunity for me to just showcase what I can do again.”
Meanwhile, receiver Mitch Picton (ankle) practised in limited fashion for the first time since being injured in Week 11. However, the timeline for his return is to be determined.
Advertisement 4
Article content
“If it’s something that he feels like he can get going right now, then it’s an option for us,” said Mace. “If it’s another week, it’s another week.”
Also not practising on Tuesday was defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado (knee), offensive lineman Jacob Brammer (knee) and punter Adam Korsak (hamstring).
After sitting out last week, defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. (illness) was limited while linebacker Justin Herdman-Reed (elbow) was a full participant.
Recommended from Editorial
The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.
With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Article content
