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Tough decisions await during week 2 of Riders training camp

Jun 7, 2015 | 11:49 AM

Seven days are in the books for the Saskatchewan Roughriders at training camp. 

As always, the first week wrapped up with the mock game on fan day at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. 

“We’ve been fairly healthy, which is one of my main concerns,” said general manager Brendan Taman. 

“We haven’t had a lot of major nicks for a long period of time.”

Safety Tyron Brackenridge, defensive back Terrell Maze and receiver Weston Dressler did not participate in the team’s simulated game. However, Dressler did continue his duties of holding on field goal attempts.

At this point, most of walking wounded in Riderville are only believed to be experiencing minor injuries. 

The first week of camp is always one of the most exciting times of year for players and fans a like. 

Now, with the second week and pre-season games on the horizon crunch time for bubble players and tough decisions for management await. 

“We’ve been practicing. They’ve caught up to practice tempo,” said head coach Corey Chamblin.

“Let’s take in one more step and take it to the game. They’re going to have their hands full.”

The second week of camp is always an interesting mix of continuing to get ready for the season and for the team’s first pre-season game. The game plan won’t be nearly as in depth as it will be during a regular season game.

They will continue to practice twice-a-day this coming week. 

However, decisions will have to be made when it comes to the roster for that game next Friday night in Fort McMurray. How much will Darian Durant play? What about some of the other veterans? Does anyone get left behind?

“We have to see where we are at health wise,” said Taman.

“We have a few things we need to iron with some guys and see long term where they fit.”

Taman hopes they will have the roster for the pre-season game against the Eskimos set by Thursday. 

Should questions continue as this roster is being built, it could force Taman and his team to try and add and delete to the roster to get it to a point where they are happy.

“Sort of picking and choosing as we see fit where our depth is. We’ll continue to do that over the next week,” said Taman. 

The team will be off the field on Sunday. They’ll return to practice on Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field at Gordon Howe Park. 

JGasson@rawlco.com
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