Regina: Roughriders prepare for Elks game after teammate’s death, plan tributes

By Ethan Gagnon — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Roughriders Mourn Teammate and Prepare for Game

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing for their upcoming CFL game against the Edmonton Elks on Thursday, following the recent death of teammate Jayden Dalke. Dalke and Bhishma Rajyaguru, a 22-year-old from Regina, both died in a two-vehicle collision on Saturday evening near Lumsden, approximately 30 km north of Regina. According to RCMP, Dalke, who was 30, was driving a silver SUV northbound in the southbound lane of a divided highway when it collided with Rajyaguru’s black SUV. No passengers were in either vehicle. RCMP also stated that alcohol and cannabis were found in Dalke’s vehicle, and autopsies and toxicology tests are currently underway.

The team was informed of the accident and Dalke’s death on Sunday, during what was scheduled to be their first practice after a bye week. Practice for that day was cancelled. However, the team returned to the field on Monday to prepare for the game against the Elks, a contest that will impact the battle for first place in the West Division.

Quarterback Trevor Harris commented on the challenging week for him and his teammates, noting the heavy emotions but also the team’s focus on their responsibilities. He mentioned that the team believes Dalke would want them to continue their work. Linebacker Jameer Thurman also spoke about honouring Dalke, who was in his fifth season with the Riders, and the importance of teammates supporting each other while performing on the field. Thurman, who sat next to Dalke in meetings for two years, expressed that the team is playing not only for Dalke but also for each other and their families.

Tributes Planned for Dalke and Rajyaguru

The Roughriders have announced plans to honour both Dalke and Rajyaguru. On Tuesday night, the team stated they would honour Rajyaguru in a pre-game ceremony at Mosaic Stadium. The club also indicated they are working with Rajyaguru’s family to determine the best way to support them. Rajyaguru was described as a gifted percussionist with a deep love for music, whose passion left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

General manager Jeremy O’Day confirmed that the team also intends to hold a tribute for Dalke before Thursday’s game.

Elks’ Strong Start and Riders’ Key Players

The Elks enter the game with a 5-1 record, holding a two-point advantage over the Riders, who are 4-1. Edmonton’s strong start, their best since 2017 when they began the season 7-0, is attributed to a balanced offence and a revitalized defence. The Elks’ defence leads the league in points allowed per game (23.0) and turnover ratio (plus-11).

The Elks’ secondary has been particularly effective, recording 10 interceptions in their last three games. This includes four picks in a 40-17 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on July 9, and another four in a 19-17 win against the B.C. Lions on July 17. Defensive back Kenneth Logan Jr. highlighted the group effort and focus on details as reasons for their recent success.

For the Riders, Rolan Milligan, who was named the CFL’s outstanding defensive player in 2024, is set to return to the lineup after separating his shoulder in the season opener against B.C. Quarterback Trevor Harris surpassed Cody Fajardo last week to secure sixth place on Saskatchewan’s all-time passing yards list, with 10,716 yards. Additionally, Saskatchewan’s receivers KeeSean Johnson, Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Samuel Emilus have collectively accounted for 1,314 of the team’s 1,629 passing yards this season.

Source: sportsnet.ca