'I will be better': Saskatchewan Roughriders QB Darian Durant

Darian Durant wasn't shy when asked how his latest season-ending injury will impact the future of his career.

"I won't be the same quarterback," Durant said. "I will be better."

If it were up to Durant, he'd be at practice this week.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders star quarterback spoke to reporters Monday about his plans to return as the team's lead pivot.

Durant suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the first half of the first game of the year. Durant said he'll be healthy and ready to go next season.

"I'm ahead of schedule actually, feeling great," he said. "I would love to go out there and practice with the guys but due to the conditions the field being slick and all that, being cautious about that."

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While rehab has gone well,Durantdoesn't want to take any chances and knows what he needs to do next.

"Just doing some more explosive things as far as sprinting," he said.

Durant, who helped the Riders win a Grey Cup in Regina in 2013, said he's looking forward to re-establishing himself.

"If I can stay healthy, I still feel I'm the best quarterback in this league and I'm out to prove that," he said.

Dismal season followsDurant'sinjury

It's been one of the worst seasons in recent memory for the Roughriders and their fans.

With a record of 2-15 and one game to go, the Riders are only able to celebrate a first overall pick in the 2016 CFL Draft.

While some believe not much would be different even withDurantin the lineup, the 33-year-old said he can take the Green and White back to the promised land.

"I feel like I'm the guy that can take this team to the next level and get this team out of this slump,"Durantsaid. "I'm confident in my abilities and every year I've been the starter, except for '11, we've had a shot at the Grey Cup."

The team closes out the season this Sunday in Montreal.

A lot has happened since the quarterback was first sidelined on June 26:

• The Riders lost the opening game against Winnipeg afterDurantwas hurt.
• QuarterbackTinoSunseriwas released from the team beforeDurant'sinjury, and returned to the team by week two.
• Quarterback BlakeSimswas signed by the Roughriders in August, released in September, and brought back in October.
• Quarterback Keith Price returned to the team in July. He was first signed by the team in September 2014 afterDurantwent out with an elbow injury.
• Head coach CoreyChamblinand general manager BrendanTamanwere fired Aug. 31.
• BobDycewas installed as the team's interim head coach and JeremyO'Dayas interim GM.
• The Riders were officially mathematically unable to reach playoffs by week 16 after a loss to Hamilton on Oct. 9.
• Quarterback Kevin Glenn was traded to Montreal Oct. 14.
• Kevin Glenn, Brett Smith, Keith Price andTinoSunseriall stepped in to play quarterback for the Riders.
• They went on to post a dismal 2-15 record so far, with one game remaining.