The Saskatchewan Roughriders are navigating a challenging period marked by numerous player injuries as they prepare to host the Ottawa Redblacks. The team has adopted a “next-men-up” approach to manage its depleted roster.
Several key players were absent from practice earlier in the week, including receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker (knee), receiver Samuel Emilus (foot), fullback Albert Awachie (ankle), and cornerback Tevaughn Campbell (forearm). These absences follow previous additions to the injured list, such as running back A.J. Ouellette (knee), halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. (knee), and offensive lineman Zack Fry (knee).
Managing the Roster Amidst Injuries
Head coach Corey Mace indicated that Milligan Jr.’s return for the season is uncertain, stating, “Rolan is going to be tough. Don’t want to eliminate anything though.” Schaffer-Baker and Campbell sustained their injuries in the recent game against Edmonton, while Emilus was a game-time decision who did not play.
Despite these setbacks, the Roughriders secured a 28-26 victory over the Elks, overcoming a previous 36-34 loss to the same team. Mace praised the team’s resilience, noting that players with minimal CFL experience stepped up. He emphasized the team’s culture and commitment to maintaining a high standard, regardless of player availability.
Quarterback Trevor Harris echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s faith in all roster members. He acknowledged that losing players to injury is a difficult aspect of football but stressed the importance of unity and belief within the squad. Harris had to rely on less experienced receivers in the second half of the game against Edmonton.
Third-year receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby led the team with four catches for 66 yards, while rookie Johnny Johnson III contributed four receptions for 48 yards. Other players like D’Sean Mimbs (one catch, 18 yards), Daniel Wiebe (one catch, nine yards), and Dylan Djete also saw playing time, with Djete making his CFL debut.
Adjusted Preparations and Player Updates
The Roughriders, with a 5-2 record, are preparing to face the winless Redblacks (0-7) on Friday. Due to the short week between games, Mace adjusted the team’s practice schedule. The team did not practice on Monday, opting for a walk-through on Tuesday, with a full, closed practice scheduled for Wednesday. Another walk-through is planned for Thursday.
Mace explained that the adjusted schedule aims to keep players fresh, especially given the physical demands of the game. He noted that while not directly linked to the current injury situation, this approach is something he would prefer to implement more consistently later in the season.
While the injury list is expected to grow, the team anticipates the return of defensive back Nelson Lokombo (ankle), who practiced with the starting group on Tuesday. Defensive lineman Ali Saad (calf) also returned to practice in a limited capacity as he nears a return from the six-game injured list.
However, Fry and offensive lineman Darius Bell (ankle) are likely to remain on the one-game injured list. Other players expected to stay on the six-game injured list include returner James Letcher Jr. (elbow), receiver Mathew Sexton (ankle), defensive back JuJu Hughes (ankle), fullback Morgen Runge (pec), defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore (knee), and long snapper Aaron Crawford (knee).
An update on Wednesday listed Schaffer-Baker, Campbell, and Awachie as “out” for Friday’s game against the Redblacks. Emilus is listed as “questionable” for the second consecutive week. Linebacker Josh Woods, who was a full participant on Tuesday, was limited on Wednesday due to an ankle injury and is also questionable. Offensive lineman Daniel Johnson, Fry’s left guard replacement, missed Wednesday’s practice due to illness and is questionable. If Johnson is unable to play, Erik Andersen would start. Additionally, the Roughriders released American receiver Jaylen Johnson from the practice roster on Wednesday.
Source: panow.com
