By Jamie Nye

Brandon West ready to carry the load for the Roughriders

Aug 15, 2011 | 4:19 PM

When the Saskatchewan Roughriders lined up in week one, Brandon West was third in line to run the football for the team this season. Seven weeks later, his name may be at the top of the depth chart when the Roughriders take on Toronto Thursday night.

Wes Cates hasn't been able to practice or play since going down with an apparent ankle injury late in the team's only victory this season. While Cates remained on the sideline, Hugh Charles has been a spark plug for the offense.

Late in Charles three touchdown performance last week he came up lame on a long run and the injury has caused him to miss the last two days of practice.

Over to you, Brandon West.

“I'm not happy about the injuries but I'm happy the coaches can finally say 'okay, Brandon, we believe in you'.

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Charles status up in the air

As usual, Head Coach Greg Marshall, is keeping Charles availability for Thurday's game close to the vest. Marshall says they likely need Charles to practice on Wednesday before making a final decision on who carries the ball in Toronto.

It's another bump in the road for the Roughriders offense who have had plenty of problems this season.

“Hugh's been playing very well for us. He's done a good job in all phases, whether he's been asked to be a returner, the primary runner and blocker. Whatever we've asked him to do he's done a good job. We'd like to have him in the line-up so we're going to have to make a final decision tomorrow what we're going to do.”

Charles is the team leader with 569 total yards, 240 rushing yards and is tied for the team lead with three touchdowns.

West preparing to carry the torch

In the limited opportunities West has been given, he's shown the flashes that made him a collegiate record holder at Western Michigan.

West is second in the team in return yards, and while he's been inconsistent he has broken a few long returns. West also has a decent six-yard rushing average.

“I always practice like a starter. That's whether I'm fourth string, fifth string or first string, I'm always going to practice like the starter. There's no reason to sit around and pout because you never know when somebodies going to go down.”

As usual, the import running back and return man is enjoying the Canadian game and Canadian field.

“I love this field because it gives me the chance to do what I do best. I'm a speed guy. I'm more of a shifty type of guy so it gives me the advantage on the defence.”

News and Notes

Defensive end R.J. Roberts is getting increased reps along the defensive line in the absence of Remond Willis. Willis may not be able to play Thursday in Toronto. Kicker Eddie Johnson is also questionable for Thursday's game after missing last week.

Spygate 2.0. Toronto spotted an unidentified videographer filming their practice on Tuesday but Argonauts head coach Jim Barker ruled out any wrong doing by the Roughriders. Head Coach Greg Marshall quipped, “I don't know anybody in that area so I'm okay.”

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