Saskatchewan Roughriders’ receiver Kyran Moore believes the knee injury he sustained during the 2021 CFL season has prevented him from exploring NFL opportunities for 2022.
“Oh yeah, 100 percent. I definitely did, but everything happens for a reason so I just take it into perspective that it’ll come back around when it’s time,” said Moore via videoconference. “The NFL will always be there, so when the time comes and if it happens, then great, but if it don’t then I’m happy being where I’m at.”
“At first I couldn’t grasp the injury, but after I talked to my mom after I got hurt I just came to the conclusion that it’s probably a good thing that happened to me. It’s humbling. I’ve never been hurt. It’s a humbling experience. It’s teaching me how to work and grind on my own.”
The 25-year-old worked out for the New York Giants in January 2021 and was told that multiple NFL teams had him on their radar. A number of CFL players have made the jump to the NFL this off-season, including Winnipeg defensive back DeAundre Alford, Hamilton offensive tackle Jordan Murray, and Saskatchewan receiver Brayden Lenius.
Moore sustained the injury in Saskatchewan’s victory over the Montreal Alouettes in Week 13. He indicated that his rehabilitation is going well, though it remains unclear whether or not he will be healthy for the start of training camp in May.
“It’s been feeling better, rehab is coming along real fine. My therapist is saying that everything is looking good and just keep going, keep doing what I’m doing,” said Moore.
“It’s kinda up in the air right now. I don’t know. He told me that it’s a nine-month thing — a nine-month recovery process — so hopefully I can be back sooner than nine months but it’s still up in the air.”
The five-foot-ten, 165-pound target made 64 receptions for 585 yards and three touchdowns over 11 starts at slotback. He has made 174 catches for 2,056 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons with Saskatchewan.
Moore signed a one-year contract extension with the Riders last week, while Shaq Evans did the same on Tuesday. Duke Williams, who caught 17 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown in just four games, remains a pending free agent.
“Overall, it was a pretty good year for myself,” said Moore. “I felt like more of a vet last year, seeing most of the young guys do what they do. … (First-year receiver Kian) Schaffer-Baker and see him peaking out there, scoring his first touchdown and seeing (Brayden) Lenius, obviously, doing what he did.
“Of course I tried my best to contribute as best I could but I felt more as a vet just watching the young guys take over and step into their purpose.”
