Argos remain very wary of short-handed Riders defence

HALIFAX — McLeod Bethel-Thompson isn't breathing any easier about facing a short-handed Saskatchewan Roughriders defence.

The CFL's top-ranked defence will be without starting defensive linemen Pete Robertson and Garrett Marino on Saturday afternoon when Saskatchewan faces the Toronto Argonauts. The 2022 Touchdown Atlantic contest will be held at a sold-out Raymond Field in Wolfville, N.S.

Robertson, who leads the CFL in sacks (seven) and fumble recoveries (three) is out four-to-five weeks with a foot sprain suffered in last week's 28-13 win over Ottawa. Garrett is serving the first of a four-game suspension he received for a low hit on Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.

Sophomore Keion Adams takes Robertson's spot at defensive end while third-year player Charbel Dabire replaces Marino at defensive tackle.

"They've got a front that's very good and very deep," Bethel-Thompson said. "They also have three great linebackers in (Larry) Dean, (Darnell) Sankey and (Derrick) Moncrief.

"You definitely can't let those guys get a taste of you because then they get hungry and keep coming so we've got to start early."

That depth allows Saskatchewan to weather the storm created by the two absences while not handcuffing defensive coordinator Jason Shivers.

"They're a well-rounded group," said Riders head coach Craig Dickenson, who's 3-0 versus Toronto. "We want to get pressure on the quarterback and we want to stop the run.

"Anything outside of that we feel we can adjust."

Dickenson admitted having Dean (28 tackles, 38 defensive plays, both CFL highs), Moncrief (tied with teammate Nick Marshall for most interceptions with three each) and Sankey (league-best 97 tackles last year) certainly helps.

"Those guys are good and kind of