WestonDressler has never needed much of an opening to make things happen on the football field, and that hasn't change with his move to the CFL.

Injuries have ravaged the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have begun to turn to the rookie wide receiver from Bismarck with increasing frequency.

Though the Roughriders have struggle of late, Dressler has risen to the challenge.

On Saturday Dressler caught six passes for a career-high 146 yards as Saskatchewan dropped a 27-21 decision to the B.C. Lions.

It was the third straight 100-yard receiving game for Dressler, who is rapidly emerging as one of the most dangerous players in the CFL.

Even in training camp, Dressler was getting rave reviews from the Roughrider coaching staff, the local media and the fans. But early in the season he only showed flashes of what he is capable of.

In his first two games Dressler's primary role was on special teams, returning punts and kickoffs. He caught just one pass for 6 yards.

Dressler had what looked to be a breakout game the following week, catching six passes for 122 yards and his first pro touchdown in a 33-28 win over Hamilton on July 12.

Instead a hamstring injury put him on the shelf for three weeks. When he came back, he caught just four passes for 103 yards in his next three games.

But September has been good to Dressler, who now has 28 catches for 608 yards and five touchdowns.

Look at the numbers more closely, and you can see the player who developed into a star at Bismarck High and the University of North Dakota.

Dressler is second in the CFL in average yards per catch (21.7). He is tied for second with four 100-yard receiving games. He is tied for third with five touchdown receptions.

Not bad for a guy who has been an offensive option in only half Saskatchewan's games.

After starting the season 6-0, the Roughriders are 8-4 and locked in a tight West Division race in which all four teams are separated by a single game.

You can bet as the Roughriders push for another title, they will be looking to the player who has been their most effective weapon of late - Dressler.

(Lou Babiarz is the Tribune sports editor.)