By Joel Gasson

GAME DAY: Riders closing out regular season against Edmonton

Nov 8, 2014 | 7:45 AM

The Riders regular season is set to come to a close tonight at Mosaic Stadium as the Green and White welcome the Edmonton Eskimos.

It’s a game that does mean a little bit in the standings now thanks to the Lions loss to the Stampeders on Friday night. Should the Riders win they will now remain in the West Division for the playoffs, if they lose, they’ll crossover to the East. 

This week there was plenty of talk about the Riders needing a win to get some momentum going into the playoffs. The coach, he doesn’t agree with that thought.

“I think it’s more so because the guys just need see a “W” because the guys work so hard. They just need to see a little bit of fruit,” said head coach Corey Chamblin.

Chamblin was quick to point out that the Riders actually lost their final two regular season games against Calgary and Edmonton and we all know how that ended up the following three weeks.

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

10h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

13h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

17h ago

Where this game does matter is for a number of players who are getting onto the roster and getting their chance to play.

“It’s been a long season personally,” said receiver Alex Anthony. “But, finally getting the chance to go out and show my stuff.”

Anthony played one game earlier this season against the Argos in Toronto but only played special teams that day. It’s expected that Anthony will get to see some time on offence this week just like he did a year ago in the regular season finale.

The thought might be the Riders are getting a look at guys who might be able to help them out next season and beyond. That’s true but they also need to get a look at their depth for the playoffs, just in case.

“We have to see what we have there,” said Chamblin. “If we have to count on those guys (in the playoffs).”

It’s also an important playoff game for some veterans who are returning to the line-up. Especially along the offensive line where veterans Brendon LaBatte and Xavier Fulton will be back along the line of scrimmage after missing some games.

LaBatte has sat out the last few games with an undisclosed injury. He wants to knock off some rust.

“The muscle memory in terms of the steps and everything you do, that comes back,” he said. “Just the speed you have to do it and you have to keep your base. There’s so many little parts that go into being a good offensive lineman.”

Fulton hasn’t played in four games after being benched because of injury and performance.

“Yeah, we get to prove to the coaches (that he can still play),” said Fulton. “But really I just need to reassure myself.”

Roster Check

Darian Durant won’t be on the roster again this week after practicing for a bit this week. Kerry Joseph will once again get the start but Chamblin said that Joseph won’t play the entire game but wouldn’t suggest just how long he might remain on the field.

Offensive lineman Chris Best won’t play, neither will defensive backs Terrell Maze and Paul Woldu along with defensive lineman Brandon Boudreaux. Offensive lineman Levy Adcock is also out and will miss next week’s playoff game with a knee/leg injury.

Receiver Weston Dressler, running back Anthony Allen, linebacker Marvin Burdette and defensive back Woodny Turenne are all back on the roster.

The Eskimos will sit their three biggest offensive weapons in quarterback Mike Reilly, receiver Adarius Bowman and running back John White.

The Green Zone Game Day begins at 1 p.m. on News Talk Radio with Game Day with Wray. The Green Zone Pre-Game show follows a couple of hours later leading into the Fan Zone with Scotty and the King during the game. Once the game is over, 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.

news@panow.com

On Twitter:@princealbertnow