Once again, there's some new faces at Roughriders practice.

Wednesday the team officially announced the signing of linebacker Joe Lobendahn, but the moves didn't end there. They also signed linebacker Diamond Ferri, and defensive back Alanzo Lawrence. Ferri joins the Riders after spending a number of years with the Montreal Alouettes, starting his CFL career in 2007. Lawrence is more of an unknown, coming to the team after just recently being cut from Detroit Lions training camp.

"Those guys bring a veteran presence ," said head coach Corey Chamblin. "Their resume speaks for itself."

Despite not seeing a football field since being cut from Stampeders camp, it does appear that Lobdendahn will be starting at middle linebacker this Sunday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"The thing is if you've been in the league for a while, playing defense or offense, it's kind of the same, everyone just uses different lingo," said Lobendahn.

So because of that, he's not to worried about being thrown into the fire that is the Labour Day Classic. Chamblin also joked that Ferri would be getting the start instead of Lobendahn if they were facing Montreal. Ferri is expected to be eased into the line up.

It's a new beginning for Ferri, who joins the team he beat in the Grey Cup in back to back years, but he's apparently left his rings locked up, not bringing them to Regina. Now, he wants to bring more rings to Saskatchewan.

"People know me around the league as being a little boisterous , and out going," said Ferri. "I just want to get that started here."

All of the moves certainly begs the question, with the offense struggling, why all the moves on defense?

"Defense wins championship, if we can stop people and hold them, we'll be good," said Chamblin.

To make room for everyone, the Riders also had to release Efrem Hill and Louis Rankin.

"We needed to see some of the other guys play," said Chamblin. "I gotta to make sure that were not to comfortable with what's been around, because this organization needs to move forward one way or another."

Chamblin did tell Hill that he's a good football player, and will find a home somewhere else. Those releases will also give a chance to players on the practice roster, like receiver Brooks Foster.