Freshly back in the fold, receiver Jordan Williams-Lambert won’t play for the Riders Saturday.
“He looks good,” says Head Coach Craig Dickenson. “He’s still learning the system obviously…it’s only day one for him. But he’s running well and he looks like he’s in shape. That’s very encouraging.”
If not Saturday, when is the first for Rider fans to see Williams-Lambert in a game?
“I think two weeks probably,” says Dickenson. “I think this week and then if he stays in town next week during the bye and gets in the playbook, I think he’ll be okay.”
The 25 year old had his first day of practice on Wednesday. The practice was closed to fans and media so we couldn’t see what position he was playing. Last season, most of Williams-Lambert’s targets were as the third receiver to the wide side. He feels he can play multiple positions now.
“I was a little bit limited last year because of learning the playbook. I’m a little more versatile so we’ll see how that works.”
After his release from the Bears, Williams-Lambert says he had opportunities. But they involved waiting to hear from NFL teams–no guarantee that they would call. He returned to the Rider to ensure he got playing time.
“There’s ups and downs and the goal is to be playing on the field. And sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way. I’m fortunate enough to be back here and be able to join a good Riders team and go on a playoff run.”
Williams-Lambert is wearing the number 17. 83 was the only unassigned number in the 80s, and Williams-Lambert wouldn’t take it. He says that number belongs to Receivers Coach Travis Moore (who wore it with the Riders from 2003-05) and thinks it should be retired.
NOTES: Rookie Receiver Justin McInnis missed practice for the second straight day with a shoulder injury. Coach Dickenson says McInnis is questionable at best for Saturday.