Riders look to piece offensive line together following release of Rodgers
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have a new face at right tackle this week after the release of Na’Ty Rodgers on Monday.
“Two things: he wasn’t playing well enough and he was taking too many penalties and that’s something we’ve been adamant about from the get-go,” said head coach, Craig Dickenson on the decision to release Rodgers.
Na’Ty took two holding penalties and one objectionable conduct penalty against the Elks last week. However, he had started nine games with the team at right tackle, which means the spot is now up for grabs.
Dickenson said the spot will be given to Jamal Campbell or Andrew Lauderdale when initially asked on Tuesday.
Left tackle Terran Vaughn has yet to practice this week due to a lower hamstring injury but coach Dickenson is not counting him out yet.
“We feel like our offensive line could still play even if they don’t practice,” he said.
“It’s Campbell and Lauderdale or Campbell, Lauderdale, and Vaughn, depending on how Vaughn does. He’s still not out of the mix.”
Lauderdale has filled in at Vaughn’s position twice this season already.
“We practice together all the time so I’ve definitely learned from him. He’s definitely a good mentor to be behind. I feel comfortable going in this week,” said Lauderdale.
If Campbell were to get the start this week against B.C., it would be his first since signing with the Riders.
“I’m just looking at it as an opportunity. Every guy here we’re all prepared to step in when our name is called and pretty much that’s all that matters is performance and how you do when your name is called,” said Campbell.
However, the offensive line has been struggling all season with penalties and have allowed 32 sacks, which is a league worst.
“I don’t think any guy is looking at it and saying, ‘Wow, look at that, what happened?’ We already have that in our head and we do things on our own to keep each other accountable on stuff like that,” said Campbell.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dickenson said, “all signs point to (Pete) Robertson and (A.C.) Leonard being back in the lineup.”
However, Dickenson confirmed wide receiver Kyran Moore will need at least another week. Fans got their hopes up when he attended practice on Tuesday and was thought to be a potential starter this week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.