Saskatchewan Roughriders coach Craig Dickenson said he is open to making changes to provide a lift when his team hosts the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday at Regina, Saskatchewan, but did not share his full plan.
The Roughriders (6-9) have lost four straight and are third in the West Division. The Tiger-Cats (7-8) are third in the East after a 22-15 home win over the Calgary Stampeders last Saturday and have clinched a playoff berth.
“The one thing in pro sports is if you’re not constantly evolving, changing, adapting, getting better, you’re getting worse,” Dickenson said. “I think you’re going to see some new faces this week. I’m not going to tell you necessarily who, but we’ve got to get some people out there that hopefully can give us a spark and give us a chance to win a game.”
The Roughriders are coming off a 33-26 loss to the B.C. Lions last Friday.
“We’re not trying to ruffle feathers on purpose, but we’ve got to try to spark something in this team to get us to perform at a higher level,” Dickenson said. “We’re not trying to send messages just for the sake of it, we’re just trying to improve our roster and get better.”
The Tiger-Cats have listed Bo Levi Mitchell as the No. 1 quarterback on their depth chart.
Mitchell, 33, returned to practice this week and split first-team reps with Matt Shiltz. He has been out since a leg fracture July 28 against the Ottawa Redblacks.
“It felt so good just putting the helmet back on, the cleats and just getting back out there competing with the teammates,” Mitchell said. “The camaraderie being back out there, it feels great. I wish it was obviously a lot sooner, but I got back as fast as I could.”
Before the injury, Mitchell threw for 714 yards, three touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player and two-time Grey Cup champion is in his first season with Hamilton after 10 years with Calgary.
Hamilton defensive lineman Dylan Wynn (arm) was removed from the six-game injured list and is available. Defensive lineman Ted Laurent (hamstring), wide receiver Tyler Thernowski (shoulder) and defensive lineman Cedric Wilcots (shoulder) are out for Saturday.
The Roughriders will be without defensive back Jeremy Clark (knee) and defensive lineman Bryan Cox (knee).
–Field Level Media
