Roughriders' Wes Cates
Photograph by: Mark Taylor, Leader-Post files
The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be without import running back Wes Cates when their 2009 CFL season opens at Mosaic Stadium on July 3.
Riders head coach Ken Miller said after the first day of main camp that Cates, a CFL all-star in 2008 and one of the team's top offensive threats, is questionable for the regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions.
Riders head coach Ken Miller said after the first day of main camp that Cates, a CFL all-star in 2008 and one of the team's top offensive threats, is questionable for the regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions.
"He's coming off a shoulder procedure, so we will have to evaluate and see how that is by Game 1,'' Miller said Sunday.
Cates underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. A full recovery is expected, but currently Cates's range of motion is somewhat limited. The Riders are reluctant to play Cates until he is completely healthy.
Cates, who was on the field Sunday, is heading into his third season with the Riders. In 2008, he led the Riders with 1,229 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He missed three games with an ankle injury but was still the team's nominee for most outstanding player.
Cates, who was on the field Sunday, is heading into his third season with the Riders. In 2008, he led the Riders with 1,229 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He missed three games with an ankle injury but was still the team's nominee for most outstanding player.
"We were in a situation last year because of injuries to our receivers that we had to hand the ball to him,'' said Miller. "We really rode on his and (rookie receiver) Weston Dressler's back for a long time.''
The ankle injury in 2008 created an opportunity for Neal Hughes and Stu Foord to see playing time at tailback. Hughes started three games while Cates was sidelined. Hugh Charles also filled in during Cates's absence. All three tailbacks are in the Riders' camp.
Weather was the other story on the opening day of camp. The drills were conducted under a steady drizzle and, at times, a heavy rainfall.
"We can't control the weather but the main thing we can control is our effort,'' Miller said. "We did a nice job of that. A big part of playing football in Canada is playing in any kind of environment. I would rather have 100-degree temperatures for a few days, but we will take what we can get.''
Weather was the other story on the opening day of camp. The drills were conducted under a steady drizzle and, at times, a heavy rainfall.
"We can't control the weather but the main thing we can control is our effort,'' Miller said. "We did a nice job of that. A big part of playing football in Canada is playing in any kind of environment. I would rather have 100-degree temperatures for a few days, but we will take what we can get.''
The Roughriders completed some transactions on Saturday to reach the league-mandated 68-player limit. Current draft picks, two designated rookies and three junior players are not included on that list.
The Riders released linebacker Carlos Armour, defensive end A.J. Raebel and wide receiver Toby Zeigler. Canadian defensive back Leron Mitchell, who suffered a broken right ankle two games into the 2008 season, was placed on the nine-game injured list. Mitchell recently had another surgery on the injured ankle and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Riders released linebacker Carlos Armour, defensive end A.J. Raebel and wide receiver Toby Zeigler. Canadian defensive back Leron Mitchell, who suffered a broken right ankle two games into the 2008 season, was placed on the nine-game injured list. Mitchell recently had another surgery on the injured ankle and is expected to make a full recovery.
"It's disappointing to have athletes of the calibre we have having to go on the nine-game injured list right away,'' said Miller. "It's something that's lingering from the injuries we suffered a year ago.''
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