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The Ottawa Redblacks would much rather have Adarius Pickett wearing his helmet and number 6 jersey than a cap and headphones when they take on the Toronto Argos in the Eastern Division semi-final of the CFL, Saturday (3 p.m.) at BMO Field.

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But having their star linebacker/special teams player on the sideline in a coaching role is certainly better than not having him at all.

Not only does Pickett have plenty of big-game experience — from his days as a running back on the varsity team at El Cerrito (Calif.) High School, to his collegiate career with the UCLA Bruins, and more. through his experience in CFL playoff games with both Montreal teams. and Toronto — but he was in the Argos locker room after they turned the ball over nine times to the Alouettes in a colossal collapse in last fall’s East Division final.

Pickett, who had four solo tackles for the Argos in a 38-17 loss 53 weeks ago, should have at least some inside information or other words of wisdom the Redblacks could use for their first playoff game in six years.

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Against a powerful opponent hungry for redemption, any small gesture could help.

“It feels good to be back in the zone,” said Pickett, who has “assumed” his unofficial duties on head coach Bob Dyce’s staff. “I would definitely prefer to be on the field, but right now it’s about my teammates, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to coach them while trying to bring that energy to them.”

Pickett is in this position because he suffered a ruptured Achilles on the first play from scrimmage in the Redblacks’ 37-21 Week 15 road loss to the Tiger-Cats.

To say he had a good season is an understatement. Despite only playing in 12 games, Pickett is the Redblacks’ 2024 leader in special teams tackles with 14, the 10th most in the league.

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In addition to being the team’s candidate for Special Teams MVP, he is also an East Division All-Star at cover linebacker.

Bennett Williams has done a solid job as Pickett’s replacement on defense, but few have the same overall impact as Pickett, an emotional leader who also did coaching when he was on the court as a player.

“It’s always tough being in this position,” the 28-year-old said of his injury, “but I’ve got people who’ve seen me out here, man, I’m walking around with a smile, calmly. I am at peace. Things can always be worse.

“At the end of the day, it was time for me to sit down for a second. I’m grateful that this is the first time in my career that I’ve actually had an injury that requires surgery. All I can say is that God is good. I’m just grateful to be there for my teammates in this way. I know they still need me in this capacity.

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“It’s not about me right now, it’s about them, and it was even when I was injured. I was even more disappointed that I got hurt because I couldn’t be there for them. I didn’t even think about myself. But I think the relationship I have with the coaches has allowed me to be that coach on the field. I still have this role that I’ve had all season. So I think it’s just me doing the same thing, just from a secondary perspective.

Signing Pickett and wide receiver Justin Hardy should be the Redblacks’ top priority this offseason, but, for now, no one is thinking beyond Saturday afternoon.

Naturally, Pickett believes the Rouge et Noir can hand the Argos their second straight season-ending loss at home, but, obviously, it will take a total effort from everyone.

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“At the end of the day, you have to know it’s a playoff game,” Pickett said. “They’re going to come out with the intensity as such, they’re going to come out ready to play. Some of these players were on the team last year and they feel like they were able to redeem themselves in a playoff game. We have to match that intensity and produce more, just play our game, play up to the abilities that we have shown.

“If everyone does their job, we will succeed. »

Making Argos quarterback Chad Kelly uncomfortable would help.

The Redblacks did it in a 41-27 win over the Argos at TD Place in Week 14 with six sacks and six turnovers, including four interceptions against Kelly.

Kelly, who also threw four picks in last year’s playoff loss to the Alouettes, responded to Ottawa’s loss he suffered by completing 21 of 26 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-31 victory against the Rouge et Noir in week 20.

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“Chad is a talented quarterback, so you have to make sure you compress the pocket,” Pickett said. “He’s able to play outside the pocket, using his feet, extending plays, throwing deep balls.

“You have (rookie receiver Makai) Polk there who is doing a tremendous job this year…they have talented players there and we have talented players here. It will depend on who wants it more.

“We’re just making sure we do a good job trying to contain (Kelly), play physical football, stop (running back Ka’Deem) Carey and everything should be fine.”

That’s certainly a lot on the Redblacks’ to-do list, and checking off those tasks would be easier with Pickett the player on the field.

But having PIckett, the coach and emotional leader on the sideline, should help.

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