Latest News: Saskatchewan Roughriders Makes Major Adjustment After Huge Injury Blow
The Roughriders were forced to make a few changes along the offensive line on Saturday in their Western semifinal win over the B.C. Lions
The Saskatchewan Roughriders had a challenging day on Saturday during the CFL’s Western semifinal, where they secured a 28-19 victory over the B.C. Lions. Left tackle Trevor Reid left the game on the first play of the second quarter due to a knee injury after being rolled up on.
Peter Godber, who was coming back from a six-game absence due to an ankle injury, stepped in at his natural center position, pushing Logan Ferland—who had been starting at center during Godber’s absence—out to tackle.
Ferland, named the West Division’s Most Outstanding Lineman, was initially set to take over at left tackle with Reid out. However, after a brief discussion with right tackle Trevon Tate, Ferland switched to right tackle while Tate moved to left tackle.
“We talked about it right before it happened and we were both comfortable with the switch,” Tate said on Tuesday as the Roughriders resumed practice. “It sounds like we discussed it for a long time, but it really only took about two seconds.
“I have complete trust in Ferland to hold it down, just as he trusts me.”
Despite these changes, the Roughriders not only won the game but only allowed one sack—credited to last year’s top defensive player, Mathieu Betts, who brought down quarterback Trevor Harris in the fourth quarter.
“It was challenging, but we had to adapt,” said the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Tate, who had started eight regular-season games at right tackle since joining the team in August. “I try not to overthink it.
“In a game like that, you’re not aiming for perfection. You just want to secure the win, no matter how it looks. The technique might not always be flawless, but at the end of the day, the question is: did I block my guy? Yes or no.”
For Godber, who suffered an ankle injury during the Labour Day Classic against the Bombers, returning to the lineup after missing the last six games was a relief.
“Dealing with an injury is tough for any player, and it’s frustrating not being able to be out there,” Godber shared. “So, it felt really good to be back on the field.”
He noted that this year’s offensive line has seen a lot of rotation, with many players filling various roles. “I think everyone has confidence in one another, and regardless of the situation, the next man up maintains a high standard, no matter who it is.”
After defeating the Lions, the Roughriders are now gearing up for the West Final on Saturday (5:30 p.m., TSN) in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers.
With Reid sidelined on the first day of practice on Tuesday, Tate stepped in at left tackle, with Ferland on the right side and Godber in the center, flanked by guards Zack Fry and Jacob Brammer.
“The more reps I get personally, just like everyone else on the offensive line, the more confidence builds,” Tate explained. “Confidence is crucial for the O-line because it allows you to play faster.”
He added, “When you’re able to play quicker than your opponents, it creates openings and increases your chances of running the ball effectively. The better your running game, the more control you have over the game and the greater your chances of winning.”
In three regular season matchups between the two teams, the Bombers lead 2-1, having secured a 35-33 victory in the Labour Day Classic and a 26-21 win in the Banjo Bowl. The Roughriders managed to win 19-9 on July 19.
Injury Report
On Tuesday, along with Reid, defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. (knee), linebacker C.J. Reavis (knee), receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker (neck), and defensive back Jaxon Ford (knee) were also not practicing.
The Roughriders will return to the field for practices again on Wednesday and Thursday before traveling to Winnipeg on Friday.