Jul
Durant misses practice
Courtesy Regina Leader Post:
Weather and quarterbacks — two of the province’s favourite topics — were on the agenda as the Saskatchewan Roughriders wrapped up a storm-shortened outdoor practice Wednesday.
A thunderstorm rolled across Regina, forcing the Riders to seek cover after approximately 20 minutes of practice at Mosaic Stadium. Riders head coach Ken Miller then cancelled the on-field activities in favour of extended offensive and defensive meetings.
“We can handle the rain but we can’t handle the lightning,’’ Miller said. “We had several claps of thunder but then there was a large lightning flash that may have been over the stadium. When it gets that close, it becomes a dangerous situation and the welfare of the men becomes utmost in our minds.’’
The status of starting quarterback Darian Durant was also on the minds of the media. Durant left Tuesday’s practice with approximately 50 minutes remaining after hitting his right hand on a helmet. Durant is believed to have bruised his thumb and didn’t run the offence Wednesday during the Riders’ abbreviated practice.
“His hand is better but unfortunately we weren’t able to test it,’’ said Miller. “I’m sure that it will be fine.’’
Miller did conduct a personal test on Durant before practice.
“We ball-wrestled (Wednesday) morning and he was able to take it away from me,’’ said Miller, adding that the team will continue to monitor Durant’s injury. “He has had pretty good strength and is able to grip the ball pretty well.’’
Backup Steven Jyles handled the first-team quarterback duties before the lightning chased the Riders from the field.
The shortened practice didn’t mark a day off for the players and coaching staff, who are preparing for Saturday’s game at the Rogers Centre against the Toronto Argonauts.
“It’s a hindrance because we’re so accustomed to going through our plays on the field,’’ said Miller. “On the other hand, we have a couple of nicks, sprains and bruises that the time off will help us heal.’’
Shortly after leaving the field, Miller met with offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice and defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry. The three set up a series of meetings that were designed to simulate preparations for the Argos, albeit under drier and safer conditions within Mosaic Stadium.
The Riders filled the time preparing mentally and studying PowerPoint presentations of Toronto’s offensive and defensive plays.
The extra meetings may help Matt O’Meara and Joel Bell, two offensive linemen who joined the Riders this week. O’Meara, a non-import, arrived on Monday after being cut by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers following training camp.
O’Meara is expected to start at right tackle for Belton Johnson, who suffered a strained right quadriceps and separation of the clavicle and sternum in Friday’s 28-24 win over the B.C. Lions. Johnson could be sidelined until the end of the month.
Bell, an import, made his first appearance with the Riders on Tuesday.
“It’s a stretch to learn new systems overnight, so it will be good in that regard,’’ said Miller. “Still, we would have also liked to have had the opportunity to do things live and work with the players who are adjacent to them.’’
The Roughriders are expected to return to practice Thursday. They’re to leave Friday for Toronto.
