By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostOctober 11, 2009 4:03 AM
It was an unaccustomed sight — that of the mercurial Weston Dressler moving at a painfully slow pace.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback suffered a severely sprained right ankle with 3:07 remaining in Saturday's 32-22 CFL victory over the visiting Toronto Argonauts.
In the Roughriders' dressing room after the game, Dressler's teammates and media types watched him emerge from the trainer's room and, with a reliance upon crutches, slowly reach his stall. His right ankle was heavily taped.
There is never a good time for an injury of this nature, but it becomes especially hurtful with only four regular-season games left. Two of those contests are against the Calgary Stampeders, whom the Roughriders are battling for first place in the CFL's West Division.
Dressler will miss Saturday's game at McMahon Stadium. Judging by the comments of head coach Ken Miller after the Toronto game, there is cause to wonder if Dressler will return in time for the Nov. 7 regular-season finale against the visiting Stampeders.
"I would think two weeks would be optimistic — maybe three or more,'' Miller said.
The Roughriders' field boss put it best when he said: "Great win. Huge loss.''
The popular Dressler is the most energetic member of the Roughriders' offence, as well as its leader in catches (62) and receiving yardage (941).
The Roughriders' field boss put it best when he said: "Great win. Huge loss.''
The popular Dressler is the most energetic member of the Roughriders' offence, as well as its leader in catches (62) and receiving yardage (941).
Dressler is by no means the Roughriders' only weapon, thanks to the presence of Wes Cates, Andy Fantuz, Rob Bagg, Gerran Walker (whose elusiveness was evident on a touchdown catch against Toronto) and the emerging Chris Getzlaf. However, Dressler is unrivalled on the team with his potential to catch a seemingly harmless five-yard pass and turn it into a huge gain.
If you had to choose the Roughriders' most outstanding player at the 14-game mark, Dressler would be in the discussion along with defensive ends John Chick and Stevie Baggs. And now, the Roughriders are forced to adapt to life without Dressler as the games become increasingly important.
If you had to choose the Roughriders' most outstanding player at the 14-game mark, Dressler would be in the discussion along with defensive ends John Chick and Stevie Baggs. And now, the Roughriders are forced to adapt to life without Dressler as the games become increasingly important.
How do you describe, or fill, that void?
"It's enormous,'' Getzlaf said. "He's a leader out there, and in a quiet way. He plays hard every game and you know you can always count on him. That's tough to see that.''
It is worth noting, though, that the Riders faced a similar scenario earlier this season. Entering an Aug. 1 game in Calgary, there were questions about how the visitors would fare with Fantuz sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Fantuz's slotback spot was taken by Getzlaf, who proceeded to make two touchdown catches — including the 65-yard game-winner with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter.
In that case, the Roughriders were able to replace Fantuz with a similar player — a rangy, tough receiver who catches everything in his vicinity. A ready-made replacement for Dressler is not nearly as easy to find.
In that case, the Roughriders were able to replace Fantuz with a similar player — a rangy, tough receiver who catches everything in his vicinity. A ready-made replacement for Dressler is not nearly as easy to find.
Bagg is one possibility. Until Bagg arrived, the Roughriders' wide-side wideout was an afterthought. He has injected an element of playmaking ability into an oft-ignored position. Quickness, athleticism and an ability to absorb a hit make Bagg a candidate to fill in for Dressler.
Or, how about Chris Jones? He began the season as the Roughriders' weak-side wideout, only to be supplanted by Walker. Jones has been idle for several weeks, but the Riders' brain trust remains high on him. Another possibility is fellow import Johnny Quinn. If Quinn is wearing Ray Elgaard's No. 81, he must be a natural for an inside-receiving position . . . right? And then, of course, there is Jason Clermont.
Or, how about Chris Jones? He began the season as the Roughriders' weak-side wideout, only to be supplanted by Walker. Jones has been idle for several weeks, but the Riders' brain trust remains high on him. Another possibility is fellow import Johnny Quinn. If Quinn is wearing Ray Elgaard's No. 81, he must be a natural for an inside-receiving position . . . right? And then, of course, there is Jason Clermont.
Another thought: If the Roughriders are looking for an infusion of speed to compensate for the injury to Dressler, why not incorporate Jason Armstead into the offensive package?
Armstead enjoyed an 89-catch, 1,307-yard season with the 2005 Ottawa Renegades. Nobody else on the Roughriders' roster can boast such single-season totals in the CFL. Nor can anyone rival his speed, which was displayed during some dazzling kick returns on Saturday.
But the most important return is that of Dressler. Roughriders fans are left to hope that his recovery is as speedy as the player himself.
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