Durant’s absence from Riders training camp palpable
Murray McCormick’s musings from Day 2 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ main training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium:
It’s strange not seeing veteran ■ quarterback Darian Durant with the Roughriders. Durant’s absence has really hit home over the first two days of training camp, even though he was traded to the Montreal Alouettes on Jan. 13 after talks regarding a contract extension broke off. Durant, who joined the Riders in 2006, has grown from a backup QB to a player who won the starting spot to quarterbacking the Riders to the 2013 Grey Cup championship at old Mosaic Stadium. It remains to be seen if anyone on the Riders’ roster can replace Durant’s leadership. Until then, it’s a matter of getting used to not having him around.
Ex-NFL quarterback Vince
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Young connected with Rob Bagg on a 45-yard touchdown strike that was Young’s best pass of training camp.
Cornerback Kacy Rodgers
■ earned Murray’s Monster on Monday. Rodgers stood out after shutdown coverage of receiver Duron Carter during drills and one-on-ones. The second-year cornerback also had a knockdown that resulted in Rodgers and Carter sharing a high-five.
The absence of punter Josh
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Bartel due to an undisclosed injury has created an opportunity for Quinn van Gylswyk, the Riders’ third-round selection (26th overall) in the 2016 CFL draft. The UBC product was averaging 50 yards on his windassisted punts on Monday. Bartel is expected to return soon from the injury, but the Riders are learning that van Gylswyk can handle the punting duties when needed.
Monday’s release of national
■ middle linebacker Bear Woods by the Alouettes sparked speculation about where the East Division’s most outstanding defensive player in 2014 and 2016 might land. Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, said there have been some discussions regarding Woods. Jones added that the media will have to wait and see what happens.
Jones confirmed that the
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Riders have come to terms with UCLA linebacker Cameron Judge, the second overall selection in the 2017 draft. Jones added that nothing has been signed as of yet. It may still take time for Judge to arrive in training camp even when the deal is signed because he is completing some final exams at UCLA.