With Jon Ryan sidelined for the next few weeks with an ankle issue, Kaare ( pronounced Corey) Vedvik, is excited for the opportunity to potentially punt for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The 27-year-old Norwegian, taken by the Riders in May’s global draft, spoke to reporters on Wednesday, and said Jon Ryan is a player he used to watch film on.

” Jon Ryan is a phenomenal punter, a phenomenal teammate and person, it’s unfortunate what happened last game,” Vedvik said. “I’m in a position to step in now and I am going to do my best, I’m excited I get to step in and help the team,” he continued.

For Vedvik, his football journey has lead him through eight NFL teams and three countries.

“I just want to play, and the Roughriders seemed like a team that really wanted to give me a chance to play, so I called my agent and said let’s go, I’m ready to go to Canada and play some football,” Vedvik said.

The Riders will hold a closed practice Thursday, before flying to Montreal ahead of Saturday’s game against the Alouettes.

The depth chart won’t be released until Friday, but the number one receiving team at practice looked different on Thursday.

Mitchell Picton was in for Kian Schaffer-Baker, while Justin McInnis was absent due to an illness.

One constant that is back full time is Shaq Evans, the star receiver returned to the line up in Saturday’s win over Calgary, after breaking his foot in week two.

“It’s natural for any human being to feel a little apprehension coming off an injury like that,” Evans said. Once I got going and got warm I really wasn’t even thinking about it during the game, after the game it was a little sore which is normal, but I already feel a lot better this week than I did last,” Evans said.

Evans made four catches for 24 yards in his return.

Kickoff on Saturday is 5:00 p.m., pre-game coverage will start at 2:00 p.m. on 620 CKRM.