While the majority of the workforce had a chance to unwind as a part of the Canada Day long weekend, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were back to work on Sunday following their bye week.

With the Roughriders hosting the Edmonton Elks on Thursday, the green and white had a short break as the two western divisional opponents kick off the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Week 5 schedule.

Among the players back on the field were safety Jayden Dalke, running back Frankie Hickson, fullback Albert Awachie and defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas, the entire group missed the Roughriders last game in Calgary on June 25.

There were still a significant amount of players who missed Sunday’s practice due to injury. After practice, the injury report showed a lengthy list, including defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II (Foot), defensive back Rolan Milligan (Back), receiver Jake Wieneke (Knee), centre Peter Godber (Hand), offensive lineman Colin Kelly (Illness), offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins (Quad), defensive back Rodney Clemons (Ankle), linebacker Matt Dean (Foot).

Defensive lineman Pete Robertson and defensive back Amari Henderson also missed practice, but their absence was not injury related as they are travelling back to Regina.

Head coach Craig Dickenson said there was a positive vibe following the bye week.

“It wasn’t our sharpest day by any means, but it was a good spirited practice, and it feels like the guys are happy to be back and are ready to get to work.

Quarterback Trevor Harris was busy last week as he took part in a number of community appearances, including an autograph signing on Canada Day at the team’s store, along with Shawn Bane Jr. and Mario Alford. He enjoyed his time conversing with Rider Nation.

Harris may not control the schedule, but the Roughriders quarterback noted the lack of a green and white presence during this holiday weekend in the across the country.

“One of the fans was like, Canada’s team should be playing on Canada Day.”

He added.

“Maybe the CFL will do that next year.”

The Week 4 bye for Saskatchewan is the first of three in-season breaks the team will receive. The Roughriders own a bye-week during the final week of the regular season, Week 21. They also have a Week 12 break.

Having multiple bye weeks is a new experience for the first-year players on the team, including offensive tackle Brandon Council. For the first break, he returned to Regina following the team’s last game in Calgary he said after practice.

“It’s like I never left honestly, I didn’t go home.”

Council took the first team reps at left tackle on Sunday with Jerald Hawkins out of the lineup following his quad injury.

Local product Evan Johnson had a chance to enjoy his bye week off even though he’s missed Saturday’s fireworks in the Queen City.

He added that he’s looking to provide the explosive highlights for the field.

“We create fireworks every week.”

Practice Notebook 

• Dickenson noted Hawkins is back home recovering from his injury and that he’s out long term.
• Harris was listed on the injury report but he practiced in full on Sunday.
• A win on Thursday against the Elks would clinch the season series for Saskatchewan after their win in Week 1