Durant

[neilca]

Miller wouldn't comment on Durant after he left the field holding his stomach. I just hope it's pre-game 1st start nerves. Stomach flu would be the worst timing in the world right now.

Just in case, I'm going to start training right now in case Tillman wants to call me up.

[OnRiders]

Yeah, Miller said he had a bit of the flu but should be ready for the game verse Hamilton.

[KK-FTW]

all i know is if i had the flu i couldnt consontrate on the game, nothing would be appealing to me i dont care if would be my first pro start... just my opinion

[neilca]

exactly.....and throwing in Marcus too early may prove detrimental in the long run. If Durant is singing into the toilet bowl, then it has to be Jyles and Tate. Even if he starts to get better, he won't be in game frame of mind for Saturday.

[zbest]

Dave Naylor is already speculating on Durant testing free agency in his CFL insider spot on TSN.

I don't know if Durant will be able to command a starter contract. But testing free agency will more than likely see him leave Sask.

[zbest]

In response to Naylor’s clip on CFL Insider ( CFL - Canadian Football League Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings, Rumours → Where To Go ). Rob Vanstone actually talked with Durant:

@"Rider Rumblings"

TSN’s CFL insider, David Naylor, is reporting that Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant is likely to leave via free-agency after this season if starting for the Green and White does not seem feasible.

I discussed the issue Thursday with Durant, who said that he would not be averse to remaining a Roughrider. He did not attach any conditions but, clearly, his decision would be influenced by the likelihood of starting in 2009 and beyond.

"I’m open to coming back,‘’ Durant said. "I don’t want to go anywhere. This is where I got my start and I would like to finish here. These are the best fans in the CFL.

"It’s out of my hands. All I can do is just play ball.‘’

Durant has every reason to play hardball if he continues to be relegated behind Michael Bishop. Durant’s abilities were evident in July, when he threw for almost 700 yards over two games. For now, head coach Ken Miller is going with Bishop, but I would expect the Roughriders field boss to exercise little patience Friday against Calgary if the quarterbacking does not improve.

Bishop is the starter, as of today, but Durant is very much the quarterback of the future. Very soon, he could become the quarterback of the present. An adept manager of the game, Durant would benefit from a healthier supporting cast. The suspicion here is that Miller will be much more comfortable turning to Durant when/if D.J. Flick, Andy Fantuz and Wes Cates are back in the lineup.

For now, the classy Durant is saying (and doing) all the right things.

"It gets tough as a competitor,‘’ he acknowledged. "Anybody who is a competitor, you want to play. You want to be good at what you do. When the opportunity comes, you just want to make the most of it.‘’

Although Durant covets an opportunity to start, he is very supportive of Bishop. That is evident during and after practice, given the rapport between the two.

"You can’t hold any personal grudges,‘’ Durant said. "Everything that happens, you know that it’s a business and it’s out of your hands. When you get to worrying about things that are out of your control, that’s when you have problems amongst the team. Me and Bish are good friends and we’ll never let what’s going on on the field get in the way of that.‘’

For more about Durant, turn to my story on leaderpost.com or in the Leader-Post.

— ROB VANSTONE.

[zbest]

The TSN CFL Insider clip by Dave Naylor, transcribed:

@"Dave Naylor"

When Darian Durant was thrown into the fire earlier this season, it looked as though the Saskatchewan Roughriders had found their quarterback of the future. In passing for nearly 700 yards in his first two starts Durant was turning heads and looking very much like a CFL star on the rise. But after suffering an injury in week 4, Durant has spent most of his time watching from the bench, first behind Marcus Crandell, and now Michael Bishop, whom the Riders seem committed to for their hopes of repeating as Grey-Cup Champs. Durant is playing the role of a good teammate with Saskatchewan. But the 26-year old who is in his third CFL season believes he’s ready to be a starter in this league. And with free-agency approaching this off-season, the Riders are at risk of losing him for nothing. Riders General Manager Eric Tillman has expressed a desire to re-sign Durant, but the quarterback isn’t interested in signing a new deal with the roughriders for back-up pay. Which is why if Bishop remains Saskatchewan’s starter through the end of this season, Durant will almost surely test free agency. And with Toronto, Hamilton, and Winnipeg all struggling with quarterback issues this season, there would likely be a market for his services.

For Sportcenter, I’m Dave Naylor

[boonedock82]

Would be silly if we didn't see this coming at some point. Que the controversy and rightfully so. Bish hasn't won games and has looked bad really since he came here, realistically we need to be giving Durant the reigns for a couple weeks to see what we actually have, because honestly none of us really know after only 2 games, but we need to find out and stop riding a old horse that isn't going to get us anywhere.

Look as Hamilton as an example, Quinton Porter looked good even though they lost you could see there was tallent there regardless of supporting staff.

[Taleback]

Well then this better be the end of Durant. Move Jyles to '# 2 and let Durant go and get his starting Q.B. Salary. Who is going to give him that over any other that they already have. 2 games as a starter and the league is his to own as a Q.B.????? Game 3 was very similar to game 3 of hundreds of wannabes this league has seen. They are all gone now. Call the bluff and let's move on with Bishop, Jyles and Tait. Why waste time on someone who won't be here next year unless he makes starting dough. I think we have all seen this already and know how it will play out. What's with these arrogant Q.B.'s who think 2 decent, at best, games, gives them Hall of fame status.?

[RidersNeverDie]

Doesn't he deserve the chance? How is he gonna make it if all he is ever gonna be is a backup. Tell me, how does he get games under his belt without being a starter? I like Bishop but he is never gonna be another KJ. I'm not saying Durant is gonna be the second coming of KJ, but Bishop hasn't made a name for himself let Durant play.

[boonedock82]

@"Taleback"

Well then this better be the end of Durant. Move Jyles to '# 2 and let Durant go and get his starting Q.B. Salary. Who is going to give him that over any other that they already have. 2 games as a starter and the league is his to own as a Q.B.??? Game 3 was very similar to game 3 of hundreds of wannabes this league has seen. They are all gone now. Call the bluff and let’s move on with Bishop, Jyles and Tait. Why waste time on someone who won’t be here next year unless he makes starting dough. I think we have all seen this already and know how it will play out. What’s with these arrogant Q.B.'s who think 2 decent, at best, games, gives them Hall of fame status.?

Sorry what is wrong with a guy who wants to start, moved up played amazingly well, and unexplainably has been relegated to 2nd string? If I was him I would be pissed off at this point too. Your team is on a 3 game losing streak (you came in as relief and didn’t perform granted) and you still aren’t getting the reps you need with the 1st team to be effective. I am sorry if we lose to Calgary at home we need to try and get one of the young guys ready for playoff time. News flash Bish isn’t going to lead us to the Cup this year or any year (yes I truly do hope I have to eat crow on this), where we have the option to get the young guns game time. I am thinking that there must be more to this than meets the eye, something tells me MIller doesn’t like Durant for one reason or another.

[zbest]

Durants comments when interviewed:

@"Darian Durant"

As a competitor of course it gets frustrating sometimes, as a team player I feel like, whatever coach feels is best for the team, that’s what I’m all about. It’s not my position to question any judgments or any decision that he makes.

[Roger_Connery]

Durant should feel lucky that he got as much playing time as he has. He needs to stop talking about his future during the season, he was number 2 at the start of the year and he should just be happy that his stock is up. He will play again.

Bishop needs to sit a game. Great arm strength, but needs to get more accurate.

[hbw10]

Bishop will never be more accurate. He has had 7 years in the CFL to become more accurate and he hasn't so I think it is time to go with a smart QB over a QB with arm strength.