GAME DAY: Riders looking to end slide in Calgary

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are looking ahead this week as they take on the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium.

There isn’t a whole lot to play for on the field, for either team, as the Stampeders have first place in the West Division locked up and will for the second straight year host the Western Final in late November. The Riders on the other hand will be going on the road in the playoffs, the only question is will they be playing in the West or the East in three weeks when the playoffs begin.

“I honestly don’t care (where they play), I think there’s a big core of guys in that room that don’t care where we have to go to get back to the cup. We have to win two games in a row,” said defensive end Ricky Foley.

They might not care where they have to end up playing, but if they get their way, they will be staying in the West because they won their two remaining games this year. This also happens to be something they need to to do in order get some positive vibes around the team again heading into the post-season.

“It’s about creating momentum and you want to know what you can do,” said defensive end John Chick.

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That’s where this game does matter for the Green and White. Not only does a win return some much needed positive energy to this team but it would also prove that they can do something they haven’t in a quite a while: win on the road.

The Riders haven’t won a road game, or even really been close to winning a game away from Mosaic Stadium since the Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg on September 7. In all, the team has only won four road games all season.

“You’re going to have to go into another building and deal with crowd noise and that type of thing. You’re not going to have our fans behind us. It gives it at new aspect to the game.” said receiver Chris Getzlaf.

“This is a good test; it’s probably going to be a pretty loud barn. We can go out there and show what we can do on the road.”

The Riders should definitely get a good test of being on the road this week as all indications out of Calgary are that this game should end up being sold-out.

Roster Check

As promised the Riders are making a number of changes to their depth chart this week.

Running back Keith Toston will make his CFL debut this evening backing up veteran Jerome Messam. Toston is expected to see some time in the back field.

The injuries are becoming a big concern along the offensive line as both Chris Best and Brendon LaBatte are out this week with Dan Clark and Corey Watman starting in their places, Matt Vonk returns to the roster as the extra lineman. Xavier Fulton will sit another week with Levy Adcock starting at left tackle.

Receiver Weston Dressler is also out of action for this one with Ryan Smith sliding into his spot. Running back and kicker returner Steven Miller also slides onto the 46-man roster even if he was just signed by the team this week. Defensive back Matt Webster also returns after a stint on the practice roster.

The Green Zone Game Day begins at 2:30 p.m. on News Talk Radio with Game Day with Wray. The Green Zone Pre-Game Show follows at 4:30. During the game, stay tuned for the Fan Zone with Scotty and the King as they keep you informed and entertained until the final whistle blows which means it’s time for the Green Zone Post-Game Show as we hear from the guys, the players and you at 1-877-300-7275 and by text at 306306.

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