Refreshed Riders return to practice

It was back to work for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday following their bye week. 

Even though the team returns to work with an 0-7 record, the general feeling was the week off was good for the team.

“I think they’re fresh. I think there’s a lot of clarity in what’s going on. There’s a lot of energy,” said head coach Corey Chamblin.

“I think there’s a lot of mental clarity. Not as much negativity they’re able to see life and football as it is.”

Chamblin even took the week to evaluate his own work through the first seven weeks of the regular season.

“It’s not so much what you do good and what you do bad,” he said.

“It’s how you move forward and how we grow. I was pleased with the break and pleased with everything that I saw. Pleased with my self-assessment and moving forward.”

As most teams do, the Riders used the time off to take a look at what they’re doing and make some changes. 

There’s certainly no time like the present for the Riders to make some changes as they continue to look for their first win of the season. If that win, and more of them don’t come soon there won’t be much to play for left this year.

“There’s going to be a little bit of change,” said Chamblin.

“There will be a bit of change but not a significant amount.”

Some change could be forced this week as receiver Chris Getzlaf, offensive lineman Levy Adcock and linebacker Jake Doughty all did not practice due to injury. Chamblin didn’t provide much of an update on any of the injured players only suggesting they’re day-to-day and some may be back later this week. 

Tempers flare

The temperature may have dropped this week in Regina, but the Riders first practice back got off to a hot start. 

Near the end of the stretch period, running back Anthony Allen lost his cool over something said by defensive line coach Mike Sinclair. 

“(Allen) has a lot going on in his personal life. It’s not bad. He has some deals where there’s some sickness in his family. I understand that things are tough for him right and now and he’s not actually on the roster,” said Chamblin.

“He’s dealing with that. It’s a situation we all have to go through. He’s good. He’ll be ready to go.”

Chamblin feels that the situation was a misunderstanding that has since been cleared up.

Allen did not take part in practice for the rest of the day. 

News and notes

Kicker Ray Early finished practice by kicking a 62 yard field goal with a slight breeze at his back. 

The Riders have added defensive back Don Unamba. Fullback Scott McHenry has also re-joined the team. 

Defensive backs Keenan MacDougall and Marshay Green will both return to the line up this week. Defensive back Tyree Hollins and defensive lineman Derek Walker returned to practice. 

JGasson@rawlco.com
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