Teammates glad to see Joseph return

It’s official. Kerry Joseph is once again a Roughrider and already practiced with the Green and White on Thursday.

The last time Joseph was suited up in a Riders jersey was the eventful 2007 season that saw the team win their third Grey Cup. Even though seven years has passed, some of Joseph’s teammates from that season remain on the team.

“It’s always good to see an old face,” said Neal Hughes. “He doesn’t look like he’s aged a bit and still out here throwing the ball and doing his thing.”

Offensive lineman Chris Best, receiver Rob Bagg and defensive end John Chick were also 2007 team members. Best and Bagg were just rookies who didn’t see the field that season. Chick was named the CFL’s most outstanding defensive player.

“He was the starting quarterback here when I was a rookie,” said Best. “So, it’s just like wow! To bring a legend back like that is amazing; it’s really cool to see Kerry back here.”

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Both Hughes and Best agree that Joseph will be able to bring some experience for the young quarterbacks and the team as a whole.

“He was the man, he wasn’t big time, but to a rookie was like wow! That’s Kerry Joseph over there,” said Best, who says he had the odd conversation with Joseph, mostly out of necessity, as an offensive lineman.

“Definitely, he’s up there with Rob Bagg with how much effort he puts in,” said Best, who joked Joseph may be in better shape than almost everyone else. “It’s amazing, the guy works harder than just about anybody.”

Even with the work to do now, memories of the 2007 season are at the forefront for some Roughriders.

“Easy, ’07 Labour Day, the big draw for the touchdown to finish the game,” said Best. “He had a lot of great moments that year but it’s the biggest.”

“It was him hoisting the Grey Cup in 2007,” said Hughes. “It’s one of my greatest memories.”

Joseph is wearing number five this time with the Riders since Darian Durant took over number four.

News and Notes

Head Coach Corey Chamblin still hasn’t announced who will start at quarterback Monday in Montreal. Tino Sunseri took most of the reps with the first team offence on Thursday.

Weston Dressler started practice but did not finish. He’s dealing with some kind of sickness.

Best, Hughes and punter Josh Bartel all practiced and appear likely to play on Monday.

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