Roughriders rally around injured quarterback, Darian Durant

Injuries are a part of football. Every player knows that. But the reality of another season-ending injury to Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant left his teammates in a state of shock Saturday night.

It's going to be a tough road but when he comes through it, he'll be better for it.Roughriders defensive end, John Chick, speaking about quarterback, Darian Durant.

"I honestly thought it was a cramp and that he was sitting down letting the cramp get out of his leg," Rider quarterback Kevin Glenn said to reporters after the game.

"But once he stayed down there for so long, and when Coach Chamblin went out there, I kind of figured something could be up."

Durant ruptured his left Achilles tendon late in the first-half of an eventual 30-26 defeat to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The veteran quarterback was showing no signs of rust after an off-season spent rehabbing a serious elbow injury, throwing for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Rider receiver Jamal Richardson said the team felt terrible for Durant inside the locker room at half-time.

"Our attitude was to rally around him. Get this victory for him. We know how much work he put in during the off-season and training camp. For that to happen to him is devastating but we have to rally around the team and the next man has to step up."

High expectations

Durant had said in the days leading up to the home opener that he felt the some of the new CFL rule changes would give him a chance to throw for 6,000 yards this season.

Now, the lasting image of Durant's 2015 season will be being taken off the field on a cart.

John Chick has experienced season ending injuries during his football career. He said Durant's strength will be tested in the coming months.

"It's the total toll on a guy's body, mind and spirit. But I firmly believe that when you do go through those things, it makes you stronger. Our prayers are going to be with Darian in this time. It's going to be a tough road but when he comes through it, he'll be better for it."

Chick also noted a family connection that should help Durant in the coming days.

"I know his mom was here and it's sad that it was in front of her. But at the same rate, I'm glad that he's got that consolation to be with his mom today."

Glenn now in charge

Kevin Glenn now steps into the starting quarterback role for the Riders. The 15-year veteran feels ready for the challenge but said it's not the ideal scenario for the team.

"It's tough when yourleader, who has been the quarterback here for some time, goes down like that," said Glenn.

"It sucks some of the life out and you can hear it in the stands. But that's why this is the ultimate team sport and the next guy has to step up. Not just one guy, but everybody has to carry that load."