Friday’s games marks the middle of the Riders season. And for it, it appears there will be changes in the middle of their defense.

Loucheiz Purifoy lined up at safety for Monday’s practice. He swapped positions with Elie Bouka, who took over at halfback.

Purifoy has starter games at halfback, corner, and SAM linebacker in his six-year CFL career. And he appears set to add another position to the list.

“The nice thing is Louch knows every position on the field,” says Head Coach Craig Dickenson.

“He knows the game. He comes in early. He’s here at 7:30 in the morning talking with coaches, watching film. He communicates well, he’s a very smart player and he’s a guy that our DBs look to for guidance and for leadership.”

Halfback Ed Gainey was limited at practice on Monday. He did work with the first-team defense, but it sounds like turf toe will keep him out a third straight week.

“If it was my finger then I would be good,” says Gainey. “But all the little details of getting that foot in the ground is not working right now.”

Of Gainey’s chances to play in BC, Dickenson says “I think it’s like 50:50. He’s got to make sure he can practice well this week.

“He’ll get picked on if he goes out there at 70 per cent. So we want to make sure he’s good and ready before we play him.”

The 4-2 Riders play the 4-2 Lions in a battle for second place in the West on Friday. Game time is 8:30pm. Our pre-game show starts at 5:30 on 620 CKRM.