By Jamie Nye

Decisions, decisions for Saskatchewan Roughriders

Sep 8, 2011 | 5:20 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are finally in a position of strength when it comes to the depth chart.

Instead of struggling to find enough players to plug into the line-up, the Roughriders will be forced to leave some talented players on the sideline or reduce their role.

Additions like receivers Andy Fantuz, Cary Koch, defensive back Leron Mitchell and kicker Luca Congi, have the coaching staff making some tough choices on who will line up against Winnipeg in the Labour Day rematch.

Trying to catch on

Fantuz and Koch will likely take the spots of newer Roughriders Scott McHenry and James Robinson.

WORLD SOFTBALL

Group stages officially set for Men's Softball World Cup in P.A.

5h ago

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

23h ago

Liquor stores must change hours

Prince Albert limits liquor store hours

Apr 23, 2024

Koch, who was pegged as a starter at the start of the season, will likely have to take a backseat for the time being.

“I think he'll see some action,” acknowledged Head Coach Ken Miller, “I don't know what level of that action will be. We have him rotating in at the wide receiver spot and he's been doing that well. But he doesn't get quite the same number of touches as gets there as when he plays slot or that boundary wide-out.”

Koch returns after missing the first half of the season with a broken thumb and understands just how deep the Roughriders receiving corps is.

“We have a slew of receivers right now. We're all making plays and it all feels pretty competitive out here. But, that's the way it should be. The coaches will make the right decisions and we'll just keep doing what we're doing, which is making plays and doing what we're called to do.”

Kicking conundrum

The other position that is full of questions is the kicking game. Luca Congi could return this week after finishing his time on the nine-game injured list but the play of rookie Chris Milo will delay Congi's return.

Milo kicked very well in the Labour Day Classic and Miller says Milo will control the kicking duties for at least one more week.

“We're going to play the people that give us the greatest opportunity to win. That will be a continuing evaluation as we go through the coming days and weeks.”

Milo's play allows the team to hold Congi back, which is a blessing for Miller. Miller believes it would be best for Congi to take a little more time coming back after missing the last 10 months with a knee injury.

Jamie Boreham, who was signed this week, is also in the mix to handle punting and kick offs when asked.

Lemon-aid

The Roughriders have also decided to move defensive end Shawn Lemon onto the active roster. The rookie came to the Roughriders mid-season and could replace Remond Willis on Sunday.

“The thing we have seen from him is he has tremendous quickness. He has tremendous upper body strength, although he's not a really tall person, but he rushes the passer well. I'm anxious to see him play live so we get a true evaluation of what his skills are,” explained Miller following Thursday's practice.

Miller believes with the healthy competition taking place at many positions is helping the team during practice.

“We are practicing with great purpose right now. We're practicing specific things for specific situations and the players are locked into that now. Competition helps that.”

News and Notes

Running back Wes Cates and linebacker Barrin Simpson were back practicing after missing Wednesday's workout. Defensive lineman Mathieu Boulay missed practice and looks like he may miss Sunday's game.