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The Saskatchewan Roughriders are digging into their past to fill some voids on their roster.
As expected, the team made the re-signing of former quarterback Tino Sunseri official on Wednesday.
“To be honest with you, I didn’t think I would be back here,” said Sunseri.
Sunseri was released by the Riders after their first pre-season game against the Edmonton Eskimos on June 13.
Since then, Sunseri returned home and spent a lot of time with his family. That family time led to a lot of discussions about football and what Sunseri should do next.
“I just basically sat with my dad and brother and talked about different situations and circumstances,” he said.
Sunseri admitted that he had briefly thought about ending his career on the field and taking a job football personnel job. But, ultimately he wanted to exhaust every option before taking that route.
The former Pittsburgh Panther quarterback also got some offers from some other teams but wouldn’t get into specifics.
It would have been easy for Sunseri to say no when the Riders called him after Durant’s injury. But, instead, Sunseri felt this was a good place to return to since he already knew the team and the system.
“I commend him and I have high respect and high regard for a guy like that,” said quarterback Kevin Glenn.
“That’s a tough spot. For him to come back with open arms … it just shows that he understands it’s business and not personal.”
Sunseri will be listed as the Riders third string quarterback on Sunday against Toronto.
Making a change at kicker
As expected as the Sunseri signing was, the Riders making a big change at kicker was equally unexpected.
After the team’s first practice of the week, head coach Corey Chamblin announced that Chris Milo has been deactivated and Paul McCallum will be brought in to kick field goals.
“Milo has done a good job for us in the past. But, (I) wanted to make sure we were automatic from a certain distanced,” said Chamblin.
“I have to be comfortable with all things. We just didn’t have that comfort level right there.”
Milo missed a field goal from 35-yards during the team’s 30-26 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Just before that, Milo also missed a 40-yard field goal that did not count due to a penalty.
McCallum is expected to arrive in Regina before the end of the week.
Thanks Rider Fans. I'm happy to be back!
— Paul McCallum (@PaulMcCallum4) July 1, 2015
McCallum was released by the B.C. Lions in training camp after eight years with the team. The 45-year-old was with the Riders from 1994-2005.
News and Notes
As expected, safety Tyron Brackenridge and receiver Weston Dressler both practiced and are still expected to play on Sunday.
Defensive lineman Tearrius George left practice on Wednesday. Marshay Green, Keenan MacDougall, Shea Emry and Nic Demski all did not practice as expected.
Lots of mixing and matching during Wednesday’s practice with Jake Doughty, Akwasi Antwi, Tyree Hollins, Nehemie Kankalongo all seeing time with the first team defence at times. Seydou Junior Haidaria also took reps with the first team offence. Ryan Smith remained on the first team offence taking reps ahead of both Korey Williams and Taj Smith.
JGasson@rawlco.com
Follow on Twitter: @JGasson_21
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