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Andy Fantuz signing his NFL contract earlier this year

Help could be on the way for the 1-and-7 Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Canadian receiver Andy Fantuz was released yesterday by the NFL's Chicago Bears, the team he signed with in the off-season.

 

Fantuz said on his online video blog that he was not surprised by the cut, adding that it had been a frustrating pre-season with limited playing time in games and practice. He added that he was placed on waivers for 24 hours, and after that he had 10 days to sign with another team before he has to return to the Riders.

 

There was a rumour that Fantuz could return to the Green and White early and play in tomorrow's Labour Day Classic, but the CFL poured cold water on that idea, saying if Fantuz does return to the Riders, the earliest he would be eligible is next Sunday's game in Winnipeg.

 

Meanwhile, the Riders are getting set for the Labour Day clash against the league-leading Bombers, and although they won't have Fantuz back, they will welcome back another key offensive player in Wes Cates who returns after missing the last two games to injury. Head Coach Ken Miller says Cates' return will be huge, saying he provides consistency and discipline, and is a good receiver as well.

 

As for trying to solve Winnipeg's league-best "Swaggerville" defence, Miller said they have to push the ball when they run it, and have to protect the quarterback when they want throw it.

 

Kick-off tomorrow is 2:00pm from Mosaic Stadium.