Durant unlikely to play against Ottawa

Roughrider quarterback Darian Durant was out throwing the football in practice on Tuesday – just days after leaving the football game against the B.C. Lions.

There wasn’t a crutch, tensor bandage or walking boot in sight as Durant took to the field, however, he didn’t participate in the full team walk-through and Chris Jones said he’s unlikely to start Friday’s game against Ottawa.

“He said he felt a little bit better,” Jones said when asked about the status of his starting quarterback. “I’m going to go look at the film and watch him … I’m not going to throw him out there just to throw him  out there.”

Durant went down in a play he called “borderline dirty” during the second quarter of Saturday’s game. He spoke to the media in the locker room after the game and confirmed that his x-rays were negative. He said he had a severe ankle sprain.

“The thing I did know was it wasn’t a season ending injury, because I was able to move it around, put some weight on it and I was able to make another play after I got hurt,” he said at the time.

The team has submitted tape to the league over the play that saw Durant leave the game. A roughing the passer penalty was called on B.C.’s Michael Brooks – his second of the game. Jones said he wouldn’t comment on it further. The CFL is expected to release its rulings on player discipline in the next day or so.

Regardless of the outcome of the discipline, Jones doesn’t want to rush Durant back onto the field before he’s ready.

“We’re on a short week, it’s a six day week and it’s a long season and … unless he can prove to me that he’s well, he won’t play,” Jones said.

Durant was not made available to the media Tuesday for comment.

NOTES

• Brendon LaBatte left Saturday’s game with a concussion and will not be rushed back, according to Chris Jones.
• Shamawd Chambers also did not practice Tuesday, his hamstring injury is not considered to be a long term injury.
• Dan Clark has not participated in practice since leaving with a limp in the middle last week.
• In light of the offensive line injures, the Riders signed two more Canadian offensive lineman: T-Dre Player and Aaron Picton.
• The Riders also an American quarterback named Vad Lee.