The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to the practice field on Monday morning after arguably their toughest loss of the season. A 27-24 loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Friday night.
The Riders had numerous chances to extend their various leads in the game and even a shot to tie the game on the final play in regulation. However, it wasn’t meant to be.
At practice today Head Coach Corey Mace was asked if it was hard to turn the page on the game after the high emotions heading into another short week. “Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us. So, let’s get back on the horse on a short week, with an eastern opponent coming off a bye week, again.”
“So, we gotta get our stuff together, heal up physically, mentally be sharp. The last two times we were in that situation they were both really close games and winnable games and we want to be able to put ourselves in that same situation.”
On the healing up side the Roughriders welcomed back a number of players to practice today. Receivers; Kian Schaeffer-Baker, and Ajou Ajou, Linebackers; C.J. Avery, Nick Weibe and Melique Straker, Defensive Backs; Jaxon Ford, and Deonte Williams and Defensive Lineman; Habakkuk Baldonado were all on the field.
Unfortunately, receiver Mitchell Picton was on crutches and in a boot and did not practice.
Also at practice today was newly signed offensive lineman Treyvon Tate. The former Stampeder and Argo took first team reps at Right Tackle with the offence. His insertion at tackle moved Logan Ferland back to his familiar Right Guard spot.
Defensively, defensive back Deonte Williams was back at corner taking the spot of Amari Henderson, who was nicked-up in Friday’s game with the Als.
The Riders will hold a closed practice on Tuesday before heading to Toronto Wednesday before Thursday’s game with the Argonauts.