Riders look to fill Evans' shoes for second consecutive season
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are dealing with familiar territory after the loss of Shaq Evans due to injury.
“It’s a big loss and it’s also a big one emotionally. The good new is it’s not for the whole season. He’ll be out 6-8 and we hope when he’s back, he’s ready to roll,” said head coach, Craig Dickenson.
Evans suffered a fractured ankle in the first quarter of week three’s matchup against the Montreal Alouettes and is expected to be out six to eight weeks.
The Riders are now in a similar situation as last season when Evans broke his foot in week two and was out of the lineup until week 12.
“At least he’s been there and done it before so he knows it’s not the end of the world. He’ll get better, bones will heal, and he’s got a lot of support in the locker room,” said Dickenson.
Evans had already recorded 10 receptions for 185 yards this season. Tuesday was the first day the Riders took to the field since their 37-13 loss to the Alouettes and multiple receivers’ first opportunity to prove they can take Evan’s spot as a starter.
“The good news is this team is deep. We have a really talented receiving room,” said quarterback, Cody Fajardo. “I was hoping not to show it off this early in the season but, you know, if you want to be there the last game of the season, you have to have a really talented and deep team and I think we have that here.”
“We had a couple guys out there today. (Aristilde) Dieuly and Tevin Jones. I think it’s going to be a mix of those two and if we don’t feel like those two can do it, we’ll change our ratio and have a third Canadian receiver,” said Dickenson.
However, Jones is confident he can get the job done for the green and white.
“If I do get the start, which I know I already will in my head, you know, I have to plan for the best and hope for the best,” said Jones. “I’m going to do anything I can to make this team better and go out there and give my full effort.”
The Riders had a 3-4 record when Evans was out of the lineup in 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.