By Joel Gasson

Darian Durant puts his elbow to the test

Nov 13, 2014 | 6:03 AM

The lead up to the CFL’s West Division Semi-Final in Edmonton on Sunday remains the tale of four quarterbacks.

This story features veteran pivots Darian Durant and Kerry Joseph in Saskatchewan and young gunslingers Mike Reilly and Matt Nichols in Edmonton. When the Roughriders and the Eskimos take to the field on Sunday afternoon at Commonwealth Stadium, we could potentially see all four quarterbacks at one point or another in that game.

On Wednesday, Durant tested his arm like never before at practice by throwing with not only the scout team, but also took a number of reps with the offence as well.

“Put a good work load on (the elbow), see how it responds tomorrow and see what we need to do from there,” said Durant.

Overall, Joseph did take more reps with first-team offence but it did become a little more even as practice went along. Durant couldn’t say if he would start on Sunday and neither could his head coach.

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“I still got to evaluate the film, that’s where I make my decisions,” said Corey Chamblin. “(Thursday) will give us a better assessment of exactly where we think he will be.”

It’s a decision that Chamblin won’t be making on his own as the bench boss said it will be a decision made by committee. Chamblin also doesn’t plan on playing any games when it comes to naming a starting quarterback, he just needs a little more time to go over the film to get an idea of where Durant is right now.

“I’ll announce it, it won’t go on. There’s nothing like that, there’s no games,” said Chamblin. “It’s playoffs, no different who they have playing who we have playing. We’ve seen both of them, they’ve seen both of them so we have to line-up and play football.”

On paper, the Eskimos appear to be taking that approach as well.

On Wednesday morning, the team tweeted out that Nichols will start at quarterback for the Eskimos on Sunday and that Reilly was expected to practice this week and be available to play on Sunday.

That’s a piece of information Chamblin is taking with a grain of salt.

“I’ve worked with Chris Jones before; I’ve known him for a long time. Whatever they put out there, I need to see it to believe it,” he said.

Reports from Edmonton’s practice on Wednesday suggested Reilly took a few snaps before leaving practice about halfway through.

News and Notes

Defensive end John Chick, defensive tackle Tearrius George, safety Tryon Brackenridge, receiver Rob Bagg and offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte were all named West Division All-Stars on Wednesday.

The Riders took Wednesday’s practice indoors to the Credit Union Eventplex to escape the cold. They are expected to practice outdoors on Thursday.

Offensive lineman Chris Best did return to practice but no decision has been made announce on whether he will play on Sunday or not. Defensive back Mark Legree and kicker Chris Milo also practiced after being injured last Saturday.

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