Ka’Deem Carey wanted to be a Rider after release from Argos

Ka’Deem Carey had Saskatchewan at the top of his free agency list — even if that meant the veteran had to accept a practice roster spot.

“When you love football, you love football. When I saw this team play, it was an easy yes to join something going on because I could see something going on from the outside looking in,” Carey said. “I just want to be a part of something great that is happening right now.”

The 32-year-old running back had 1,060 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground to go along with 356 yards and a touchdown receiving with the Toronto Argonauts last season. He was named the East Division all-CFLer at the running back spot.

Carey was released by the Argos following training camp.

“It was a surprise and heartbreaking but that’s how the league goes and how the business is so I accepted it,” Carey said. “That’s how I ended up here. I’m pretty excited to start my new journey but it was a shock.”

Carey then spent Week 1 waiting for a call, which eventually came from Saskatchewan. He was officially signed on Monday.

“The first thing that was on my mind was Sask. so if I was going anywhere, it would be here,” Carey said. “I was just taking a deep breath, letting everything play out and talking to the family and seeing if I wanted to go (play football) again. It had to be the right spot and the right team and the right opportunity and I feel like this was it. They were one game away from being in the big show (Grey Cup) so I feel like they are ready.”

Riders head coach Corey Mace said the opportunity presented itself and it wasn’t one they were going to let pass them by.

“I think everyone understands the kind of player he is,” said Mace, who was on the Calgary Stampeders coaching staff while Carey was a member there. “He’s won championships. You can’t have too many people like that in the building who can push the message of what it looks like to win.

“This is a place he wants to be. In that situation, I think that speaks volumes to what it is he believes we have going on here and him understanding the process of it all and not being afraid to help this team get to where we want to go.”

Despite being considered one of the top running backs in the CFL, Carey will start on the team’s practice roster behind starter AJ Ouellette, who left the team’s Week 1 win early in the game after taking a hit to the head.

But Mace said signing Carey wasn’t some sort of injury policy for the position, even though Ouellette has battled injuries in his time in Saskatchewan.

“It’s Ka’Deem Carey is available and he wants to be here and be on the practice squad,” Mace said. “It would be silly (to not sign him). He is an excellent player, had a great year last year and won a Grey Cup and had a great game in the Grey Cup. He wanted to be here so we had space to do that.”

Riders injury update

There was both good and bad news for the Riders on the injury front.

Both Ouellette and the reigning CFL most outstanding defensive player Rolan Milligan Jr. both were at practice after suffering head injuries in the Week 1 win.

Offensive lineman Jacob Brammer was also back on the field after hurting his back last week in practice and missing the game.

However, linebacker C.J. Avery (bicep) has been put onto the six-game injured list and Mace didn’t have a timeline for Kian Schaffer-Baker’s foot injury.

Offensive lineman Payton Collins (knee) also wasn’t a participant.

The Riders will travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger-Cats in a Saturday CFL showdown. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.