Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Evan Johnson was not on the field with his teammates Tuesday, but there was a good reason.
Head Coach Craig Dickenson says Johnson is about to become a father so he has left the team so he can be with his wife when she gives birth. It is something Dickenson has no problem with.
“Evan can take as much time as he wants” Dickenson said. ” He can take as much time as he wants to be with his wife and to welcome the birth of their child. We just want him back for the first game healthy and ready to go.
Dickenson was asked if this meant Johnson would once again have to quarantine since he has technically left the bubble. Dickenson said it was something the team is looking into and could not provide an answer, but he hoped he could do so on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the team is getting ready for Saturday’s green-and-white scrimmage. It will be the only chance for players to suit up against one another seeing there is no exhibition game so expect a little more intensity.
There are several spots still up for grabs including that of backup quarterback. While Isaac Harker would seem to be the guy at this time, Dickenson said it is a decision he is going to leave up to his offensive co-ordinator.
“I’m going to let coach [Jason] Maas tell me what he thinks on that. ” Dickenson said. “He knows quarterbacks, that’s why we hired him. He feels good about all five in the room.”
Harker is competing against Paxton Lynch, Mason Fine and Tom Flacco for the backup job.
The Riders also made some transactions late Tuesday afternoon
ADDED FROM SUSPENDED LIST:
- American linebacker Gary Johnson Jr.
- American linebacker Michael Pinckney
- National fullback David Savard
- American wide receiver Jordan Suell
RELEASED:
- American defensive lineman Markus Jones
- American linebacker Oluwaseun Idowu
- National linebacker Nakas Onyeka
- American wide receiver Kermit Whitfield
Offensive lineman Cyrus Kouandijo has also officially retired. The team announced that on Monday saying the former NFL’er was having problems with his knees so he has decided to leave.