Erik Andersen stepped up for Riders in clash with Ottawa

Erik Andersen was set to be the team’s sixth offensive lineman for a third time this season. But just hours before the team’s game against the Ottawa Redblacks, Andersen was told he would be making his first CFL start.

Daniel Johnson was a late scratch at left guard due to an illness.

“I was in the tubs here a couple of hours before the game and coach (Edwin Harrison) called me up and said, ‘Hey, we don’t know how D.J. is feeling yet so be ready to go,’ and then we went,” Andersen said.

Read more:

• Berries come out swinging, squash Miller Express in Game 1 of WCBL East final
• Riders’ short-yardage star Tommy Stevens ready to rumble with Ti-Cats
• ‘Drive for 25’: Title defence begins for reigning Canadian Bowl-champion Hilltops

He helped a Riders’ offensive line power the Green and White to a 42-20 win over the Redblacks. The Riders had 139 rushing yards, which also included three rushing touchdowns by quarterback Tommy Stevens. Ottawa also had only one sack in the game on quarterback Trevor Harris.

“It was a lot of fun. Didn’t see it coming far in advance but once we got out there, it was a lot of fun and getting the win was great,” Andersen said.

Head coach Corey Mace praised Andersen for being ready to go when his number was called.

“If you haven’t had much experience, you pray to God that you’re mentally prepared and physically can handle what their defence is throwing at us,” Mace said.

“He did a really good job. He’s somebody we thought could be thrust into a role like that. He has been progressively getting better every day since training camp. I was really happy for him to go out there and get that experience and he played really, really well.”

Andersen was the team’s second-round pick (13th overall) in the 2025 CFL Draft. He spent six collegiate seasons (2020-25) at Western University, including a strong senior season that saw him win J.P. Metras Trophy as the top lineman in Canadian university football.

Mace has instilled a mentality in this team that no matter where you are on the depth chart, you have to be prepared. That includes testing the players with questions to ensure they have the answers. Andersen said all the rookies get together at times to test each other.

“Just do all those little things to stay ready,” Andersen said.

With Johnson still not participating in practice, Andersen could be set to start his second game in a row this Saturday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

Andersen, who is from London, Ont., admitted it would be cool to start a game in Hamilton.

“I’m sure a lot of family would come down. It’s only like an hour, an hour-and-a-half (away). I’m sure they would like to come out and see a game so we will see,” Andersen said.

Riders test kicker Dawson Hodge at practice

While Alex Hale had one of his best games as the Riders’ kicker last week, it was kicker Dawson Hodge who was busy at Wednesday’s practice.

Hodge kicked a number of field goals from different points in the field, only missing on one. He also hit one that was around 55 yards with the team turning the music up, having the players yell at him and the coaching staff even calling a timeout to ice him.

Hodge was signed by the Riders on Aug. 6 this year.

“We put Dawson through the wringer as we did with the kickers in camp. He never had the chance to do that. Put him through the wringer today in a pressure cooker situation but like anything else, we will make a decision at the end of the week,” Mace said.