THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA -- As much as the Saskatchewan Roughriders' struggling offence would love to have Wes Cates and his 4,000-plus career rushing yards, the star running back isn't about to hurry his recovery from an ankle injury.

Cates has been sidelined for upwards of two weeks since sustaining the injury in Saskatchewan's 27-24 win of the season against the Montreal Alouettes on July 24. His absence has been felt, as the Roughriders (1-5) are currently last in the CFL in total points (112) and second-last in net rushing yards (544).

However, Cates says he's not about to force his recovery.

"I just want to be at a 100 per cent because I don't want to hurt my team,'' Cates said. "Well maybe not a 100 per cent but close because I'm not trying to rush back in and hurt my team by not being able to perform at a higher level.''

Contrary to speculation, Cates did not participate in the string of practices the Roughriders held this week at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

"You want to be out there helping your team, but right now physically I don't feel comfortable performing,'' Cates explained.

"I'm trying to do all the rehabbing possible - get it back to healthy - but you know the body takes its time to heal.''

Despite his patience, Cates is evidently itching to make his re-entrance into the Riders' lineup. In a season that has seen Saskatchewan dethroned from elite status in the CFL, Cates has had to witness the demise of a team he's carried to the Grey Cup on three occasions from the bench.

"I'm pretty anxious. I'm a little frustrated right now,'' he said. "I want to be out there, especially with the team suffering some close losses like we have for a lack of making a difference. I might have put us over the hump as far as points on the scoreboard.''

Riders head coach Greg Marshall is also aware of Cates' frustration.

"Wes has been a solid performer here over the years and was playing well up until the injury. We would like to get Wes healthy and back in the line-up,'' Marshall said.

"I know he's been frustrated. Obviously we're disappointed it's taking as long as it has for this injury to respond, but sometimes you can't rush things.''

Neither Marshall nor Cates speculated whether the running back would dress when the Roughriders host the Calgary Stampeders on Friday.

"It's kind of a day to day thing right now so we're just trying to play it by ear. I'm getting as much rest as possible and we'll assess the situation as the games come up. When I do come back - believe me, I'll be ready to put up some good performances,'' Cates said.

Cates has been impressed with Hugh Charles, the Riders running back responsible for filling Cates' expansive shoes.

"Charles seems to be taking care of business. He's been getting good yardage and picking up his protection and things like that. He's doing OK,'' Cates said.