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Veteran Roughriders hoping to provide defensive boost

Jul 7, 2011 | 5:06 AM

After suffering through so many injuries over the last month, there is some good news on the horizon for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. A trio of veteran defenders look like they will be ready to contribute to a defence who struggled in their debut against the Edmonton Eskimos.

Couldn't watch teammates

“It was hard to watch, if you saw me on the sideline I was in and out of the locker room because I couldn't watch it,” admitted linebacker Jerrell Freeman, who's been out of the lineup with an oblique strain.

Freeman is just one of the veteran Roughriders hoping to make it back to action. Defensive backs Tad Kornegay and Chris McKenzie could be back in the secondary to fill in for new comers John Eubanks and Tristan Jackson.

Kornegay was in the same boat as Freeman, who could barely watch his defensive teammates give up 42 points.

“It was tough because I just wanted to get out there and help my team out. I wanted to put my pads on at halftime and get out there but I was on the IR so I had to take it like a man and look forward to (this week).”

Veteran savvy needed

The Roughriders could use as many veterans on defence with the incoming Montreal Alouettes on the schedule this week, but more so than anything, they could use the leadership to improve the defence.

“I've played a lot and I've played a lot of positions so I think my knowledge out there on the field is always good for the guys to experience with me.”

Head Coach Greg Marshall agrees, “(Tad and Chris) do bring a veteran presence to the secondary and they've worked together and worked with the guys there so that obviously helps but now we have to go in and figure out the combinations and ratio.”

Of course the addition of McKenzie, Freeman and Kornegay mean the team does need to find three import players to remove from the lineup before Saturday's game. Add in that they may also try to bring another import defensive end on to the roster, if they can. Injuries to offensive players Ernie Wheelwright and Hugh Charles give them some wiggle room.

Ready to make plays

Freeman's addition may be the biggest news for the Roughriders as they bring in the dynamic linebacker, who led the team in sacks last season. “I feel like I can contribute to the team and if I'm not able to do that and watching my guys out there working hard and not being able to do it I just always feel that I can do more. Just put me out there, I'll be able to do something.”

The defence was called out on Tuesday with some players identified as being too 'soft' and that's a description that doesn't sit well with the 3rd year Roughriders, “Not only as a football player but as a man you don't want those comments being made or being perceived of you.”

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