It’s a tale of two sides for the Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive line right now.
There’s a question that needs to be answered this week on the right side, but on the left side, the starting unit that the team had envisioned from the beginning of the year is set to reassemble in Winnipeg.
The right tackle spot remains a mystery for Saskatchewan.
Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said Josiah St. John, Jamal Campbell, Andrew Lauderdale and Kooper Richardson are all possibilities of being in the starting lineup on Friday.
On Wednesday, Richardson was a guest on the SportsCage with Michael Ball, where the rookie offensive lineman talked about waiting for his turn to get a start with the green and white.
“I felt like all the patience I had in the beginning of the season has paid off.”
He admitted it was tough waiting for his chance.
“It’s definitely was tough especially the past three or four years being a starter in the collegiate level.” The Sacramento State product dad, Kris is the offensive line coach at Sacramento State University, told him that sometimes patience is needed because good things come to those who wait.
Dickenson says the Riders would like to go with two American tackles and three Canadian interior linemen, but depending how the roster is shaped with the Canadian ratio, Saskatchewan may choose to start four Canadians on the offensive line.
The left side of the offensive line could be back to the team’s original starters.
After practicing all week, Dan Clark is expected to return at centre. The former Regina Thunder has been out of the Riders lineup since June after he suffered a broken fibula. Clark would replace Logan Bandy, who has been filling in the absence of the longtime Rider.
The player who usually lines up to Clark’s left side, Logan Ferland says it’s a big boost to have the veteran back in the lineup.
“He knows what he is calling at all times, he’s seen a lot of situations through the years, he just brings that confidence back to the O-line.”
Ferland should be returning after missing the last two games with a back injury. He was injured against the Bombers during the Labour Day Classic. Ferland would go on to miss the last two games
Terran Vaughn is also expected for Saskatchewan on Friday. The left tackle has been out of the Riders lineup since August 13.
Evan Johnson has the been the starter at right guard for Saskatchewan throughout the season.
On Friday, the Riders offensive line will be put to the test when they meet the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The game can be heard on 620 CKRM, with the opening kickoff set for 6:00.
