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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have had to be patient, but one of their biggest offseason signings could soon be ready to help the team.
Offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon joined the Riders as a free agent after eight CFL seasons (seven with the Montreal Alouettes and one with the Ottawa Redblacks) but suffered a torn bicep early in training camp. Also early in camp, the Riders lost all-star centre and recent signing Sean McEwen due to a torn ACL.
Now the L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que., product is back on the practice field for the green and white.
“It’s just great. It has been a long time coming. My camp didn’t go the way I wanted it to, but the chance to get back out here this year feels amazing,” Gagnon said.
The 33-year-old said he was hurt on a run-of-the-mill play in camp.
“I overshot a little bit on my block and tried to turn my backside hand to slow the guy I was supposed to block down a little bit, but my bicep didn’t like that,” Gagnon said. “It was a regular play and a freak accident. It is what it is, but I’m happy it’s in the past now.”
Head coach Corey Mace is also glad to see the veteran back on the field.
“Unfortunately, during training camp, to have that injury was really tough for him. He made it very clear from that day he wasn’t going back east; he is staying here. He wants to be with the team and be with his brothers and attack rehab like crazy. He said he was going to be back and a man of his word,” Mace said.
Mace said he wasn’t sure with that injury if Gagnon would return.
“Some guys heal differently. There was an outside chance (he could return), but you never know until you progress through the rehab and he was always a clip ahead,” Mace said.
While a lot of work has gone into allowing Gagnon to return to the practice field, he knows more work is ahead.
“We haven’t done what we set out to do this year. We haven’t done anything yet. We clinched a playoff spot and that’s it. We are still looking for that first-week bye in the playoffs, we are still looking to go all the way and win it all,” Gagnon said.
“When it’s all said and done, I’ll sit back and think about (the work) but for now, there’s more work to be done.”
The Riders are dealing with an injury to the offensive line as Zack Fry (knee) hasn’t participated in practice this week. Daniel Johnson has been taking reps at the starting left guard spot.
Meanwhile, Sam Emilus (knee) and Kian Schaffer-Baker (foot) continue to log full practices ahead of their returns to the lineup. Also, defensive back Marcus Sayles (leg) is set to return. Defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (head) is still a week or two away, according to Mace.
