By Mitchell Blair
For Riderville.com
When Hugh Charles fumbled at the end of the Saskatchewan Roughriders lone victory this season in Montreal, many wondered why Wes Cates wasn’t on the field. What we didn’t know at the time is that Cates had suffered a significant foot injury, one that has kept him in street clothes for the last month. The running back is ready to return for the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and he’s ready.
“Its been a while now, “Cates said. “The bye week helped me out a lot in getting back to 100 percent and I’m ready to get back on the field. Its been tough missing time because usually if I’ve had to sit out a game it’s at the start of the season or a time when I was getting rest because the playoffs were right around the corner. Right now though, we need all hands on deck and I know that sitting out with this sprained foot put a lot of strain on not only our offensive line, but on Darian as well when it comes to making and executing plays so hopefully that can be eased somewhat.”
For Durant, he gets a smile on his face when talking about the return of number 20 to the lineup.
“Its great having Wes back for a number of reasons, but the number one thing will be in pass protection,” Durant said. “Wes does a great job in picking up blitzes, he knows the looks and helps me out and it will be great to have him back in there especially against a defence like the Bombers that flies around.”
Head Coach Ken Miller is also glad to see the 31-year-old back on the roster.
“We missed Wes for a variety of reasons,” Miller concluded. “Hugh (Charles) and Brandon (West) did what was asked of them but Wes brings a different dynamic to our offence and I’m very happy to get him back in the lineup because he has been missed.”
While Miller is complimentary of Cates, the running back is just as quick to throw the compliments at his head coach right back. The 5th year Rider is one of many vets who have a special place in their heart for Miller.
“He’s my guy!” Cates admitted after a practice this week. “Ken has been here since I got here in 2007 and our relationship has been special because he was the running backs coach and offensive co-ordinator when I got here. It puts me more in a comfort zone personally because of the familiarity that we have. We have had a lot of discussions and a lot of one-on-one time. When I think of my time here, he is the first guy I think of.”
Cates has been through several Labour Day Classics and when asked about his memories of the past, he would rather concentrate on the future.
“You can’t change the past and while most of the memories have been good, I want to make sure those memories stay that way.” Cates said. “We’ve dug ourselves a hole, but we have 10 games left in the season and we have one of the top teams coming in here so Sunday will be a good measuring stick for us. I know if we do what we know we can do, we will be successful.”
Mosaic Stadium will be sold out for the annual Labour Day Sunday battle between the two teams with the Riders going in having won their last 6 against the Bombers at home yet still looking for that first victory at home in 2011. Game time is 2 o’clock.
