Blake Sims’ moment as a professional athlete will happen today, as Saskatchewan has placed him on the active roster for its matchup against Winnipeg at 3:00 pm CT.
The former Alabama standout has been on the Roughriders’ practice squad since Aug. 4.
Saskatchewan is on a nine-game losing streak and in search for answers. It cleaned house, firing head coach Corey Chamblin and general manager Brendan Taman. Durability at quarterback hasn’t been kind, as starter Darian Durant suffered a season-ending Achilles-tendon tear and 15-year veteran Kevin Glenn hasn’t returned from pectorial injury.
The Roughriders released quarterback Tino Sunseri, in hopes that backup Brett Smith could be the guy. It has former Washington quarterback Keith Price and Sims on the roster.
He wasn’t selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, but Sims led Alabama to a Southeastern Conference championship and the No.1 overall seed in the first-ever College Football Playoff in 2014. He accounted for 3,487 passing yards (school record), 350 rushing yards and 35 total scores. Saskatchewan has won 10 straight Labour Day Classics, and looks to end its losing streak against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Crimson Tide nation will have its eyes on Sims.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
