Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Kenny Stafford following practice on Aug. 6, 2019. (Britton Gray/980 CJME)

By Britton Gray

New Riders receiver Kenny Stafford could be called upon quickly

Aug 7, 2019 | 10:33 AM

It could end up being a quick adjustment period for new Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Kenny Stafford.

Receiver Shaq Evans injured an ankle in practice Monday and head coach Craig Dickenson said it’s possible Evans might not be able to play Friday against the host Montreal Alouettes. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

“He hurt his ankle (Monday) and he couldn’t move at all (Tuesday),” Dickenson said Tuesday after the team arrived at Mosaic Stadium from its closed practice at the University of Regina. “Kenny is the guy if Shaq can’t go.

“We have some young (American) receivers on the practice roster that probably aren’t quite ready.”

Stafford, 29, was acquired by the Roughriders on Monday in a CFL trade with the Edmonton Eskimos. The Roughriders sent receiver/returner Christion Jones the other way.

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Stafford played in seven games this season with the Eskimos, recording 30 catches for 366 yards and two touchdowns. He is on pace for career highs in catches and receiving yards.

He was a member of the 2015 Grey Cup-winning team in Edmonton. Dickenson and Roughriders offensive co-ordinator Stephen McAdoo were on the coaching staff of that team.

Stafford said he was surprised by the trade.

“Anytime you’re playing good football and you’re productive, you don’t think you’re on the chopping block,” Stafford said. “I made Edmonton my home, that’s my off-season home and I live there year-round.

“It was a little bit of a shock but at the end of the day, it feels good to be wanted.”

Stafford said Dickenson and general manager Jeremy O’Day called him to let him know they pushed hard to get him.

“The love that I’m receiving is just amazing. I’m excited to get to work and wear this green and white,” Stafford said.

Stafford is in his seventh CFL season and is someone who can play at any of the five receiver positions.

“I’m just a veteran guy that adds a little bit of spice,” Stafford said. “I know what it takes to win; I won a Grey Cup with some of the coaches here. (The coaching staff) knows what I can do and what I can do in the crunch time.”

Stafford said he is impressed by the number of playmakers on Saskatchewan’s offence, and with the play of starting quarterback Cody Fajardo.

“(Fajardo has) taken his opportunity and ran with it,” Stafford said. “He’s making plays with his feet and his arm and has his team believing in him right now.

“I just want him to trust in me that I’m going to be where I’m supposed to be at and make plays for him.”

If Stafford does get the start, he’ll have big shoes to fill. Evans has been enjoying a breakout campaign that has seen him haul in 29 catches for 587 yards and two touchdowns.

Dickenson said there aren’t any concerns about Stafford’s ability to learn the playbook.

“He’s a smart guy and he’s a good football player,” Dickenson said. “I feel like he can come in and contribute right away for us as either a starter or that first backup in.”

Despite having under a week to learn the new system in Saskatchewan, Stafford said it won’t be an issue ahead of this week’s game.

“I’m ready to play right now,” he said.

The Green Zone pre-game show gets underway at 3 p.m.

Notes: Defensive tackle Micah Johnson (undisclosed) and kicker Brett Lauther (groin) did not practise Tuesday. Dickenson said Wednesday will be a big day when it comes to determining that duo’s status for Friday’s game … Fajardo was named one of the CFL’s top performers for Week 8 on Tuesday. He completed 25 of 31 pass attempts for 313 yards and added the game-winning touchdown run in Saturday’s 24-19 victory over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It’s the second time this season Fajardo has been one of the weekly award winners.