When Saskatchewan Roughriders' receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker was asked if he was ready for the Green and White's Week 18 game against the Ottawa Redblacks, he did not hesitate with his response.
"Ready to go, always," Schaffer-Baker said. "I was born ready."
Schaffer-Baker has not played for the Riders since Week 1 due to a foot injury suffered when Saskatchewan beat the Redblacks 31-26 at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday, June 5.
"A lot of hardships with it, but a lot of beauties in it as well. It's finding the blessing in the lesson every single day," Schaffer-Baker detailed. "This process has taught me a lot. When you love something so much, you're willing to go to the end of the world for it, this is something I'll do that for."
Head coach Corey Mace is pleased with the Schaffer-Baker's injury recovery process and eventual return of other players from the injured list.
"There's potential there. They were able to get a little bit of work and get more work this week. There are a few guys in that category," Mace said. "Ultimately, we're going to have to make those decisions. But the fact that they're back out here, you're happy to see that. From that standpoint, we're turning in the right direction. We're always looking to put together the best possible roster to go out there and win a game."
Historically, Schaffer-Baker has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries and has played one full regular season in 2022. The 27-year-old pass catcher played 18 games that year for the Riders, recording 68 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns. He knows the benefits of having a positive attitude when it comes to dealing with injuries.
"It's all part of the process. We play a very physical sport and these things are going to happen," Schaffer-Baker said. "I wish I could come out here and play every single game and not suffer any injuries, but that's how the game goes sometimes. When those things do happen, you're in complete control of what you can control. I've been in this situation before, there are so many little things that you can take away and get better from even though you're not out on the field practicing every single day."
In the Riders' last two games combined, Saskatchewan's offence has scored three points in the first quarter. The Green and White did not score against the Edmonton Elks in Week 17 in the first quarter and lost 27-25. The Roughriders scored three points in their Week 16 match-up against the Montreal Alouettes in the first quarter and also lost 48-31. Schaffer-Baker has an idea about what the team should do from now on to fix the offensive scoring problems in the opening 15 minutes.
"We've got to come out right from the first whistle and punch someone in the face, that's how it starts," Schaffer-Baker explained. I think if we come out there and send a message right from the jump, it's going to echo throughout the rest of the team."
The Green and White travel to Ottawa to take on the Redblacks on Friday. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 2:30 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5:30 p.m. Listen to our comprehensive coverage on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
