At this point of the season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders would welcome any kind of spark to reverse their recent fortunate including a current five game losing streak.
It appears that they will be receiving a huge boost with the return of running back Jamal Morrow. The 27 year old was back on the field with the rest of his teammates on Tuesday on their first day back from their final bye week of the season.
During his time away from the starting lineup, Morrow said it was hard to see the green and white go on their tailspin over the last couple of months, but added Frankie Hickson was a highlight when he was inserted in his spot in the at running back before he suffered his own injury.
“To go out and see the guys put it all in there and seeing them come up short was definitely tough but at the same time seeing guys like Frankie (Hickson) come in and doing a great job was awesome.”
Unlike Morrow, Hickson won’t be back in 2022. Riders head coach Craig Dickenson confirmed on Tuesday that rookie running back’s season is over.
Morrow confirmed that he suffered his injury when the Riders were in Edmonton in August. He would play a game before finding himself on the six game injured list.
The former Washington State Cougar explained how he was able to play through the game against BC on August 19 with a fractured hand.
“You grind it through, it’s kind of a mindset, you don’t want to think about it too much.”
Before going down with the hand injury, Morrow was leading the league with 534 yards rushing along with 305 receiving yards with three touchdowns.
With the Riders losing control of their playoff destiny following a loss to Hamilton, and the Tiger-Cats following that win with another victory the following week in Calgary, Morrow believes he can provide a spark for the Roughriders during the final stretch of the season.
“I feel fresh, I can give this team a boost of confidence and help us turn that corner and get the W in a must win situation.”
Morrow feels physically ready as he comes back from his injury, as he thinks the mental aspect will be his biggest test as he returns to action.
“I think I’ve built up enough confidence to make everything second nature, just doing stuff without thinking about it, pass pro, everything.”
Saturday will be the game of the regular season for Saskatchewan at Mosaic Stadium. After a tough season, Morrow believes it’s important to get a win not only for their own playoff positioning, but to reward the Rider nation for their support this season.
“They’ve been supporting us through thick and thin.”
The Riders last home game of the year can be heard on 620 CKRM with an opening kickoff at 5:00.
