Winnipeg Blue Bombers' quarterback Chris Streveler was injured in the Labour Day rematch by Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive lineman Miles Brown in the third quarter during a short yardage play.
Riders legend and 2007 Grey Cup Champion, Scott Schultz did not support calling the play dirty.
"It's not up to the offensive or defensive player to protect the opponent," Schultz told SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk. "You need to protect yourself. It is a full contact game."
The Riders selected Schultz first overall in the 2001 CFL Draft. He played for the team for nine seasons and retired in 2009. When analyzing the Streveler play, Schultz shared his unique perspective.
"You step into the blender, there's going to be some hazard," Schultz said. "It's the inherent risk of playing tackle football."
Streveler has revealed in an Instagram post he tore three of the four major ligaments in his left knee.
Schultz was critical about current techniques and football governing bodies changing rules.
"We used to work on techniques all the time to protect ourselves and to avoid tackles," Schultz said. "Now it's just left up to someone else to make the call."
Even though the Riders are on a seven-game losing streak, Schutlz remains optimistic about the team's chances in the playoff race.
"We've got a team that can do it," Schultz said. "In the West, it's competitive, it's close, things can happen."
The Blue Bombers are currently the first-place team in the West Division with seven wins and six losses. The Riders are in third place five wins, seven losses and one tie. Schultz gave encouraging words about the Riders for the rest of the season.
"They've got to close ranks a little bit, let the media talk," Schultz said. "Let them come to work, do their job, and work on the small steps of taking a step forward."
The Roughriders' next game is Friday, September 20, when the team travels to Calgary to take on the Stampeders. Countdown to Kickoff starts at 4:30 p.m., with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. live on 620 CKRM. Saskatchewan tries to snap an 0-6-1 winless streak at McMahon Stadium.
