Murray Wood: Who's hot and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot and who's not. Today's list includes tho...
Quarterback Kevin Glenn isn’t the only player returning to the Saskatchewan Roughriders lineup this week.
Fullback Spencer Moore is back after missing the last six games with a foot injury he suffered against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 26.
This isn’t the first time Moore has returned from injury during his career so far, and it’s getting a little old for the Hamilton, ON native.
“It is, I mean, it’s a part of the game. The last couple of injuries are something I can’t really control but when you get hurt you just have to focus on getting better,” said Moore.
“It’s getting a little tiresome. But, I’m in this position now and I just want to excel when I get back.”
The one positive to come out of the rash of injuries for Moore is he’s learning a little bit more about himself and his body each time he’s had to deal with an injury. The hope is that this will eventually allow Moore to stay healthy and have a more stable career.
“As you get older, you start to see how guys respond after injuries. You see how it’s important to get better while you’re hurt,” he said.
“I’ve kind of learned when you have time from injury to focus on improving your game in other ways. So, when you come back you’re not missing steps or anything.”
Moore is in the ever-important third season in the CFL. Quite often, that’s the year when you can tell if a player has what it takes to last in the league or not.
Before the injury, Moore was off to a good start as the team’s full time fullback. He was chipping in on offence with five catches for 37 yards but more importantly, Moore was being an effective blocker and was contributing on special teams.
Now, Moore hopes he can pick up where he left off.
“It was a good start to the year. I feel like I’m ready to go again,” said Moore.
“I felt like I was playing pretty well. The system that we’re in allows me to do some things that showcase my game a little bit better.”
The coaches are glad to have Moore back in the lineup as well. Interim head coach Bob Dyce has worked with Moore on special teams the couple of seasons. Dyce believes that Moore brings a number of different qualities to the field.
“(Moore) on teams and on offence brings a physical presence. So, it’s nice to get him out there. He is a high-energy guy,” said Dyce.
“He also brings a certain skill set. He’s a very good receiver for a fullback.”
Moore hopes that now is finally the time where he can stay in the lineup for weeks to come.
“Hopefully for good, that’s the plan moving forward.”
NEWS AND NOTES
The Riders have officially made changes to their roster for Saturday’s game. Other than quarterback Kevin Glenn, other names of note that have been added include defensive back Junior Mertile and receiver Seydou Junior Hadaira.
Defensive back Terrell Maze has been out all week and has been placed on the six-game injured list.
For the first time since week one, the Riders held their post-walkthrough dance for players making their Mosaic Stadium debut. There were a few exceptions to catch up on some players and coaches that were missed in previous weeks, including interim head coach Bob Dyce.
