During Saturday’s 29-26 overtime victory over the Calgary Stampeders, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive line was forced to make some changes.
Starting left tackle Jerald Hawkins went down with an injury during the second quarter requiring Logan Ferland to move from right guard to left tackle. Logan Bandy came in relief and filled Ferland’s spot at guard.
Saskatchewan’s ability to handle the changes during the game was one of the reasons the Roughriders prevailed in a key divisional matchup.
Saturday’s action marked the first occasion Ferland played tackle with the green and white. He said after the game, the last time he played the position was in 2019 when he was a member of the Regina Thunder.
The Melfort product said the offensive line knew they were in tough when the team lost Hawkins.
“Like it always is, adversity, especially at o-line, it’s always been adversity and it doesn’t matter who’s in there, what position they’re in, we have to fill in like nothing happened. ”
There was no official word on Hawkin’s status, but following the game Head Coach Craig Dickenson said it did not look good for the former LSU Tiger.
Hawkins was making his Roughriders debut against Calgary after missing the first two games of the season while he left the team to attend to a personal matter.
Brandon Council started the first two games at left tackle and was placed on the team’s practice roster for last week’s game after Hawkins returned to the team.
Even with his lack of experience playing the tackle position at the professional level, Ferland felt prepared for the quick shift following practice.
“In our practice, just drilling that all the time, having substitutions ready, me being able to play tackle here and there in practice and taking those reps and (Logan) Bandy going into guard, just to keep the flow of the game.”
In the second half, with the changes to the offensive line, the Roughriders produced 20 points. Despite not reaching the endzone in overtime, Saskatchewan prevailed in overtime after Riders cornerback Nic Marshall picked over Stampeders quarterback Jake Maier on the final play of the game.
Ferland will likely now move back to guard with another player assuming the vacancy at left tackle. The Roughriders 2022 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman says he is ready to move back to tackle in a pinch for the green and white.
“I’ll play wherever they put me, more places that I can play and help the team out, the more valuable I am.”
Heading into their first bye week of the season with a 2-1 record, the Roughriders will have some time before deciding on the left tackle spot with Hawkins likely facing a significant injury.
The next action for the Roughriders is a week from Thursday, July 6 when they host the Edmonton Elks (0-3) at Mosaic Stadium.
Coverage on 620 CKRM begins with Countdown to Kickoff at 4:00, Rider Nation Pre-Game Show at 6:00 and the opening kickoff is 7:00.
