By Joel Gasson

Darian Durant showing signs of progress

Nov 4, 2014 | 2:50 PM

Quarterback Darian Durant was out on the field throwing the ball for the first time for all to see since he injured his elbow in the Banjo Bowl in September.

It was a positive sign for the Riders as they returned to practice on Monday after their bye-week.

“He’s still in rehab mode,” said head coach Corey Chamblin. “Hopefully, a decision is made in a few days to see if he can get to an actual practice phase.”

“If we decided to move forward, then we have to move forward, then it will be going full speed,” said Chamblin.

Durant still hasn’t been made available by the Riders to comment. He didn’t remain in gear the entire practice and did most of his work with fullback Neal Hughes and receiver Taj Smith, who were also on the six-game injured list. This was also Smith’s first appearance at practice since being injured Sept. 26 in the Riders game against the Eskimos.

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Chamblin didn’t rule out Durant returning to the line-up this week against the Edmonton Eskimos. He also didn’t rule him out for the playoffs.

“Of course you like anyone to get game action before they are in the big game. So, I can’t tell you at this point. We’ll just make that decision when it needs to be,” said Chamblin.

In the meantime the Riders will continue to go with Kerry Joseph at quarterback for as long as Durant remains on the shelf.

Should Durant return this season, Joseph is fine with that.

“We have a great relationship,” said Joseph. “We’re just here to win, doesn’t matter who’s on the field. I’m going to be there for him just like he’s there for me. That’s what it’s all about.”

Also absent from practice today were offensive linemen Brendon LaBatte and Levy Adcock, receiver Ryan Smith and defensive back Paul Woldu.

Riders rested after week off

After five straight losses, it appears the team got a week off at the right time. It came before the team heads into the final game of the regular season and more importantly the playoffs.

“A lot of guys (are) rejuvenated,” said linebacker Weldon Brown. “(They) had a chance to clear their mind, rest their bumps and bruises and the guys are ready to go.”

The team’s first bye-week after the third game of the regular season proved useful as the Riders were able to rattle off seven straight wins.

The coach will have some player decisions to make this week but Chamblin suggested that the outcome of the Lions and Stampeders game won’t have any impact on the roster. Should the Lions win on Friday; the Riders will be forced to cross-over to the East Division for the post-season.

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