After two straight seasons out of the playoffs, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping that Thursday is the start of a march back to the post-season.

The Riders open the 2017 Canadian Football League season with a trip to Montreal to face-off with Darian Durant and the Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium. Kick-off is at 5:30 p.m. Sask. time.

Saskatchewan is coming off another offseason of changes with veterans, like Durant, being moved out and new faces coming in as they look to rebound from a 5-13 season in 2016.

Head Coach and General Manager Chris Jones is confident that they have the team this season to find more success than during his first year at the helm.

“We’ve got an awful good group of guys. The character and the make-up of the football team seems very strong, the determination is there, they play extremely fast and most of all, they have fun around each other,” said Jones.

“All I can guarantee is that we’re going to go out there and work hard, play as hard as we possibly can. It’s all up to the players on the field to go out, execute, have fun and win games.”

The biggest change that Jones sees in this year’s team is an increase in the leadership department.

“We’ve got a solid group of characters in that room that enjoy being around each other and are going to play hard,” he said.

The offensive line was no doubt the biggest issue from 2016 that needed to be addressed and the Riders did that by signing Derek Dennis, the 2016 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, as well as trading for Peter Dyakowski on the eve of training camp. Those veterans, along with a healthy season from Brendon LaBatte, could go a long way towards helping the Riders return to the post-season.

“Hopefully we can keep everyone healthy and with that aspect, I feel like we can keep our quarterback protected and any time you keep your quarterback protected a little bit better, than you’ve got a shot,” said Jones.

Quarterback Showdown

The first game of the regular season will feature two quarterbacks facing their team from last season.

Kevin Glenn started the season with Montreal before finishing in Winnipeg in 2016, while Darian Durant’s 11-year stint in Riderville came to an end when he was dealt to Montreal in Dec.

The Riders have been downplaying the match-up with Durant throughout the week, but he will no doubt have something extra in the tank for his former team when the lights come on.

“Darian certainly looked good in the preseason, he threw the ball extremely well and he’s always been a guy that can move around in the pocket and by time, so he’ll be ready and play 100-percent,” said Jones.

Glenn said he can’t imagine what will be in Durant’s head going into Thursday’s game, but he knows what they’re focus is.

“For us over here, what we’re concerned with and what we want to do is go out and win the game, however we may do that – whether we’re passing the ball, running the ball, forcing turnovers – we want to make sure that we go out there and get a win,” said Glenn.

Glenn saw limited action during the preseason, throwing just seven passes in last week’s 42-10 loss to the B.C. Lions.

The veteran is back for his third stint with the Riders and he said he’s looking forward to getting the season underway.

“I’m comfortable as far as the timing with the guys, we’ve had a lot of practice,” said Glenn. “I’m focused on going out and doing what I need to do to put the team in the position to win.”

More Familiar Faces in Different Places

Durant and Glenn won’t be the only players facing their former teams as a pair of Riders will also be making their return to Montreal.

Duron Carter had an unceremonious end to his time with the Alouettes last season and will be suiting up at wide receiver for the Riders in Week 1.

Defensive Jovon Johnson was an Alouette as soon as last week before being released and joining the Riders. He said he’s looking to going up against his former teammates.

“It’s fun for me because just a couple of days ago, I was here wearing different colours, but now that I’m on the other side, I’m excited,” he said. “I love the opportunity to go out and compete against the team that I once played for and hopefully I can make the most of my opportunity.”

Johnson may also be able to give the Riders an edge heading into the game as he’s fresh on their systems.

“The guy comes from the team that we’re going to play this week, of course we’re going to get an inside scoop from him, but you’ve still got to go out and play,” said Glenn.

Injured List

The Riders will be missing two veterans of their receiving core for the first game of the year as Rob Bagg and Chad Owens have both been ruled out.

Bagg is listed on the one-game injured list, while Owens, who missed both preseason games, was added to the six-game list.

Nic Demski will fill in for Bagg at the one receiver spot, while Ricky Collins Jr will be handling the return duties in place of Owens.