Roughriders navigate emotional week
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing for their CFL game against the Edmonton Elks following the recent death of teammate Jayden Dalke. The team is working to balance their emotions with their professional responsibilities on the field. The upcoming game is a significant matchup, with both teams vying for first place in the West Division.
Dalke and Bhishma Rajyaguru, a 22-year-old from Regina, both died in a two-vehicle collision on a recent Saturday evening. The incident occurred just outside Lumsden, approximately 30 kilometres north of Regina. Authorities reported that Dalke, who was 30, was driving a silver SUV northbound in the southbound lane of the divided highway when his vehicle collided with Rajyaguru’s black SUV. No passengers were in either vehicle. Authorities also stated that alcohol and cannabis were found in Dalke’s vehicle, and autopsies and toxicology tests are currently being conducted.
The Roughriders were informed of the accident and Dalke’s death on Sunday, during what was scheduled to be their first practice after a bye week. This led to the cancellation of practice. However, the team returned to the field on Monday to prepare for the game against the Elks.
Team focuses on upcoming game
While many players chose not to answer questions about Dalke and the accident on Wednesday, quarterback Trevor Harris shared his perspective on the past few days. He described the week as “a lot” and “quite a rolling week,” acknowledging its heaviness. Despite the emotional toll, Harris emphasized the team’s commitment to their job, stating, “We know what Jayden would like us to do, as we kind of alluded to all week. There’s been great spirit about the team this week in terms of what we need to go out and do and accomplish.”
Harris, along with linebackers Nick Wiebe and Jameer Thurman, were made available to the media on Monday. Thurman spoke about honouring Dalke, a linebacker who was in his fifth season with the Roughriders, and the importance of players supporting each other while performing on the field. He noted, “We’ve got work to do at the end of the day. I know he would want us to be here. He wouldn’t want us walking around, moping around, and stuff like that.” Thurman, who had sat next to Dalke in meetings for two years, found the situation tough but believes Dalke is watching over them, ensuring accountability. He added, “Not only are we playing for him, we’re playing for each other as well. You’re not just out there for yourself. You’re playing for the guy next to you, playing for their families and different things like that. The Dalke family, we love them.”
The Roughriders announced that they will honour Rajyaguru in a pre-game ceremony at Mosaic Stadium. The team is also working with his family to determine the best way to support them. The club released a statement describing Bhishma as “a gifted percussionist with a deep love of music” whose passion and presence left a lasting impression. Additionally, Riders general manager Jeremy O’Day has indicated that the team plans to hold a tribute for Dalke before the game.
Elks arrive with strong record
The Elks enter the contest with a strong record, giving them a two-point advantage over the Roughriders, who stand at 4-1. Edmonton’s strong start is attributed to a balanced offence and a revitalized defence. The defence leads the league in points allowed per game, with an average of 23.0, and boasts a turnover ratio of plus-11. The secondary has been particularly effective recently, recording 10 interceptions in their last three games. This includes four picks in a 40-17 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on July 9 and another four in a 19-17 win against the B.C. Lions on July 17.
Defensive back Kenneth Logan Jr. commented on the secondary’s recent success, highlighting it as a group effort. He stated, “We’re just focusing on the details.” Logan added that the defensive line is generating pressure on the quarterback, and the secondary trusts their coaching and practices. He mentioned, “It’s the little things we’ve been doing at practice, like catching or different ball drills, just to make sure we’re locked in when the ball comes.” He also emphasized the team’s cohesion, saying, “We’ve all been playing next to each other for multiple games. We all believe in each other. We all trust each other.” Logan noted the satisfaction of getting the ball back to their high-powered offence and creating turnovers to spark the team. Rolan Milligan is expected to return to the Saskatchewan lineup after sustaining a shoulder injury in the season opener against B.C.
The Elks‘ start marks their best since 2017, when they began the season 7-0. This impressive performance suggests a potential end to their five-season playoff drought, which is the longest in franchise history. In other team news, Harris recently surpassed former Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo for sixth place on Saskatchewan’s all-time passing yards list. Harris has accumulated 10,716 yards with the Roughriders, while Fajardo recorded 10,632 yards during his three seasons in Saskatchewan from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, Saskatchewan receivers KeeSean Johnson, Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Samuel Emilus have combined for 1,314 of the team’s 1,629 passing yards this season, accounting for 81 per cent of the total.
Commentator Murray Wood noted the heightened anticipation surrounding the Roughriders’ first-place showdown with the Elks, observing that everyone is waiting to see how the team manages the difficult aspects following the fatal crash.
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Source: ckom.com
