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He didn’t require surgery on either knee, which reduced his recovery time.

“With MCLs, the great thing is you don’t need surgery,” said Bladek, who has been activated early from the injured list. “You just have to make sure that it’s tightened back up.”

Shuffling the offensive line isn’t new to the Riders as four starters, including Blake and Bladek, have been injured this season. Veteran left guard Brendon LaBatte (hip/groin) was at practice on Tuesday, but remains on the six-game injured list and is still two or three weeks from returning to the active roster. Tackle Takoby Cofield (hamstring) is also on the six-game injured list.

The Riders’ offensive line has been effective despite all of the moves.

“It’s a testament to the leadership and the mindset that we bring to the field,” Bladek said. “In the room, we demand perfection from each other. Even though we know that’s not realistic, that’s what we are shooting for.

“Any minor mess-up to us is really big. That translates from the first group to the second group and that’s why you see such an easy turnover when someone may go down and someone has to go in.”

Braden Schram didn’t miss a beat while filling in for Blake on Saturday and remains in the mix as the sixth offensive lineman. Dakoda Shepley, who replaced Bladek at right guard, will remain at the position. Bladek will likely start at left guard.

“Blake was grading out as our top lineman so Mr. Bladek has big shoes to fill,” said Riders head coach Craig Dickenson. “Schram did a nice job of stepping in and playing well. Between Schram, Bladek and Shepley, those three guys will rotate at guard.”