The Ottawa Redblacks will be without their most exciting player long-term, placing cornerback and returner Brandin Dandridge on the six-game injured list ahead of their clash with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday.
Dandridge is in his fourth season with Ottawa but was in the midst of a breakout campaign before suffering a foot injury in the team’s loss to Hamilton last week. The 26-year-old has made 13 tackles to go along with four interceptions in seven games, including two taken back for touchdowns. He has also returned 14 kickoffs for 292 yards and 29 punts for 323 yards, including a 79-yard major.
Rookie Josh Valentine-Turner will take over the starting cornerback spot for Dandridge, while replacing his production in the return game prompts another change in the secondary. Backup defensive back DeAndre Lamont has been moved to the practice roster and will be replaced by Tobias Harris, who signed with the team on Tuesday.
Harris played four seasons at West Texas A&M, recording 162 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, four defensive touchdowns, 42 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. He also registered 61 punt returns for 804 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 53 kick returns for 1,160 yards and one touchdown in 34 games.
The five-foot-nine, 187-pound sparkplug finished his college career at Old Dominion, recording 33 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and 12 pass breakups.
The Redblacks will undergo two other changes to their defensive starting lineup. Safety Justin Howell is set to return after a three-game absence due to injury and will replace Alonzo Addae. Meanwhile, Canadian Adam Auclair will take over at weakside linebacker for Frankie Griffin (head), who has been placed on the one-game injured list.
2023 second-round pick Lucas Cormier draws back into the lineup as a depth linebacker following the release of American Ryan Saddler earlier this week. Receiver Keaton Bruggeling will return to the practice roster as veteran Canadian Tevaun Smith makes his first appearance of the season after battling a hamstring injury.
The Redblacks (3-4) will visit the Riders (3-4) on Sunday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently favoured by points.
