With a must win game facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday in Hamilton against the Ti-Cats, the green and white could be turning to their fourth or fifth options at running back.
After practice on Monday, head coach Craig Dickenson said Shaq Cooper and Shaun Wilson would be the options this week.
Cooper is now in his third stint with the Riders this season. The running back signed with Saskatchewan during the offseason, he was released from the team following training camp after Jamal Morrow and Frankie Hickson emerged at the top end of the depth chart.
In July, the 29 year old rejoined the green and white when the team was experiencing the effects of a COVID outbreak. Cooper appeared in the Riders loss to the BC Lions on July 29. He was later let go by the team in August, but following the injuries to Hickson and Wilson, he signed with the Riders for the third time just before last Friday’s game in Winnipeg.
Despite waiting for an opportunity this season, Cooper kept a positive perspective.
“Crazy journey, they say things happen for a reason, I was blessed to have another opportunity to play ball.”
Even though the running back has not been a member of the Riders for the entire season, he was constantly communicating with his teammates when he was not on the roster.
He added at times that he would be yelling at his television when things were not going the Riders way.
“It’s probably the little stuff that we being doing wrong that you guys don’t see from the TV.”
After wrapping up his collegiate career, Cooper has been embracing the possibility that each season would feel like a rollercoaster.
“Just try to ride it and not fall off.” has been the words of wisdom that the Florida native has been living by.
Since entering the professional ranks, he has also spent time with Edmonton, BC and Winnipeg seeing action at both running back and kick returner.
Fans of the green and white shouldn’t expect much change at running back according to Cooper, as he believes his style of play is very similar to the Morrow and Hickson. He thinks that he can be the quick, explosive dynamic playmaker that Saskatchewan has possessed at running back in 2022.
Cooper is feeling confident if his number is called against the Ti-Cats as he feels comfortable with the offensive schemes after first two stints with club and has a lot of faith in the Riders offensive line.
Morrow was back practicing with the Riders on Monday, he is eligible to work out as apart of his stint on the six game injured list. Saskatchewan is hoping to have him back possibly after upcoming the bye week.
Cooper had a new number at practice today, as he wore the 00, not to be confused with defensive back Rolan Milligan who wears 0.
With a slim four point cushion, the green and white will head to Hamilton as they meet the Ti-Cats, the game can be heard on 620 CKRM, with the opening kickoff at 5:30.
