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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.