Sask. Riders quarterback Darian Durant 'ecstatic' to play again

Monday marked one year to the day that quarterback Darian Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon.

It's an injury he's trying toforget, he said.

"I'm over the hurdle, I feel good and I'm ready to roll."

Durant will play his first official game in theRoughriders' season-openersince he was sidelined for all of 2015.

"I'm ecstatic," he said. "It's been a long time coming, so I can't wait to get out here."

New faces

Now that he's back, Duranthas faced the challenge of finding chemistry with the almost entirely new roster.

Durant said it hasbeen tough, but they're getting there.

He's offeredupadvice to the new team membersabout what it's like to playin Saskatchewan.

"I tell them like it isI mean if you win it's the best place to be and if you lose it can be tough," he said.

"Not to put any pressure on them, but just to let them know that you have to bring your A-game each and every week."

Roughriders coach Chris Jones said he had all of the new playersstand up on Sunday.

More than half the team rose.Jonestold them there will inevitably begrowing pains, however he said "expectation levels don't change."

A franchise behind him

The quarterback said he focuses on helping the team win, rather than focusing on the idea that the franchise rests upon his shoulders.

"I just try to look at myself as one piece of the puzzle," he said. "I've been blessed with the talent to be able to hold a franchise together, so I'm just looking forward to getting out there."

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ForDurant, the final season in the soon-to-be old stadium will be bitter sweet.

"It's all about making memories last in this place and we have to take it one game at a time."

The Saskatchewan Roughriders play theToronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday at 8 p.m. CST.