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Roughriders shut down Fantuz and Simpson

Oct 27, 2011 | 7:25 AM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders nine-game injured list may have set a record on Tuesday.

Andy Fantuz and Barrin Simpson's names were added to the list which has now grown to 17 players.

The two players will now join quarterback Darian Durant on the sideline to watch the final two games of the regular season.

“The thing we need to do in order to get players on our practice roster is (have them) be on the nine-game. It gives us an opportunity to look at younger players,” explains Head Coach Ken Miller.

That's not to say the players aren't injured. Miller says Fantuz has been bothered by an ankle injury since he came back from the NFL and continued to re-injure the ankle throughout the season. As for Simpson, the linebacker went to the coaches.

“He's got a lot of nagging things. He was the one who approached us about the possibility of stepping back and getting himself recovered and letting other players have the opportunity. Really, it was a lot of foresight on his part.”

Graham cracks the line-up

Barrin Simpson will now watch his tutor fill in at middle linebacker. Chris Graham will draw back in the line-up after missing much of the season due to injury.

The rookie Roughrider hopes to make a better impression in the final two weeks than he did earlier in the season.

“I'm going to bring a lot more impact. I've been waiting to hit the other colour. So a little more impact, still the same speed and just go out there and have fun.”

Graham says it's hard not to be better when you're learning from a player like Barrin Simpson.

“You learn a little piece of everything; life, faith and the sport. Him being here is like having a second Ray Lewis. I came here not knowing the guy and he just taught me of a different way of being here on a team like this and learning from it.”