The Saskatchewan Roughriders receiving room has suddenly become a very crowded place.
One player who could be making his return to the roster in time for the Labour Day Classic is Mitch Picton.
The former University of Regina Rams receiver has been out since July 8 with an ankle injury that suffered in the Riders win over Ottawa.
Picton has been frustrated with the delay of the recovery from the injury.
“It’s been a bit longer process than I expected than when I intially hurt it, I’ve been making progress and I feel I’m good to go.”
So far in the 2022 season, the 27 year old had ten catches for 114 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Regina receiver’s return could coincide with the homecoming of Brayden Lenius, who rejoined the Riders last week following a tryout with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Picton is happy that Leinus is back in Saskatchewan.
“He’s an incredible player, I’m happy to have him back in the lineup, that’s huge for us, he’s one of my best friends, happy to have him back in the locker room as well.”
Injuries have caused problems at several problems with the Roughriders this season, including the receiving unit. Picton says it has been very difficult.”
“It’s tough to build chemistry with your quarterbak when you have guys constantly in different positions.”
He added. “It feels like we’re getting a bunch of guys back from injury now, hopefully shore the lineup a little bit and have a bit more consistency moving forward. ”
Even with the sudden limited space in the starting lineup at receiver for the Riders, Picton isn’t concerned about not getting a fair of share of targets.
“We got a great room, we’re deep, and talented, guys understand there’s only one ball, and everybody’s going to get their touches, it’s a matter of making the play when it comes to you, guys understand you have to work for each other.”
It will be a sold out crowd on Sunday when the Riders host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Picton is excited about playing in the game that he always enjoyed watching.
“To play a couple as a player is pretty special, I know the province really comes for this one.”
The Bombers head into this week’s game as the top ranked team in the CFL’s Western Division with a 10-1 record. Picton knows that it will take full four quarter effort from the Riders in order to gain the victory.
“They’re back to back Grey Cup champs for a reason, they’re disciplined, they’re fast, they fly with football, and they”re ball hawks in the backend, we’re going to have to play a really good game to come out on top here.”
Saturday marks the return of Fan Day after a one year absence, included in the festivities is a chance for the fans to watch the Riders go through their walkthrough practice. Picton enjoyed watching the Riders up close when he was growing up.
“It was a pretty big deal when you got to see the Riders play, I grew up watching the Rams and the Riders, anytime you got to come out and watch some football that was something I was into. ”
Sunday’s Labour Day Game can be heard on 620 CKRM with an Countdown to Kickoff at 1:00, opening kickoff at 4:00.
