CFL rookie Smith to get start for Riders against Edmonton Eskimos

That means rookie Brett Smith will make his first CFL start Friday night when the Riders visit the Edmonton Eskimos (3-1).

“To get the opportunity is a big deal for me”, Smith said in Regina after Roughriders coach Corey Chamblin announced Glenn’s move to the six-game injured list. He left the game in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Smith, who completed 2-of-4 passes for 12 yards. He also rushed three times for eight yards. But in Sunday’s 30-26 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Glenn went down with an injury while making a tackle after an interception.

“There’s definitely a lot of things you have to prepare for in your first start in the CFL”. “We’re up there in nearly all the (defensive) categories so it’s a pretty fierce defence to go against”.

None of this minimizes just how tough Glenn’s injury is for the Roughriders, though. The fifth-year vet is tied for the league-lead in sacks, with five.

Friday’s kickoff from Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton is at 7 o’clock on 620 CKRM. He’ll now have another chance in Saskatchewan, and he’s got both a good arm and solid rushing ability (he actually tried out as a running back and wide receiver with the NFL’s Washington Redskins). We all know that Durant is out for the remainder of this season with a torn left Achilles tendon.

“But those guys are going to be ready, they really need a win”.

Smith’s mobility could be severely tested against an athletic Eskimos defence that likes to get after opposing quarterbacks.

“We don’t talk about that stuff so much”, said Steele. “Especially for me being a rookie with all these different looks, they’re tough”.