Roughriders trying to create space in playoff race

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have a chance to put some separation in their chase for a playoff spot in the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Western Division when they host the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon. 

Heading into this week’s action, the Riders lead the Edmonton Elks by three points for third spot in the division after they snapped their seven-game winless streak in Calgary last week.  

Edmonton travels to Winnipeg on Friday night.  

Running back Ryquell Armstead will meet his former team for the first time since the Redblacks released Armstead earlier this month. Armstead made a strong impression to the Rider faithful in his debut, rushing for over 200 yards on the ground against the Stampeders. Despite missing time after being released from the Redblacks, Armstead is fourth in the CFL in rushing yards (830).  

Saskatchewan will get some key reinforcements back into their lineup with defensive back Rolan Milligan returning from a one-game absence. This season, Milligan is tied for the league lead in interceptions (6), fifth in tackles (80), and leads the league in special teams tackles (18).

Defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II will also return to the Roughriders lineup after being sidelined with a knee injury since the end of July.  

All the news is not positive for the Roughriders on the injury front, linebacker CJ Reavis has been placed on the six-game injured list with a knee injury. This season, Reavis is 7th in the CFL in tackles (71) along with four quarterback sacks. He will be replaced by Damarcus Fields, who has been halfback this season. Amari Henderson will fill Fields spot in the secondary.  

The Roughriders will have a couple players who will be game-time decisions on Saturday. Defensive end Bryan Cox Jr has been listed on the injury report with an illness. Cox Jr is tied for the team lead in sacks (6).  

Offensive lineman Jacob Brammer could also return to the Roughriders this week. Brammer has been out with a knee injury since late July. He was the initial replacement at right tackle, following Jamarcus Hardrick’s injury. If Brammer can play, he will start at right guard. If he doesn’t, the Roughriders may have to turn Micah Johnson once again or possibly Miles Brown for extra support on the offensive line, as the Riders only have six offensive linemen listed on their roster.  

The Redblacks will start Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback, with Dru Brown battling an ankle injury. Last time Masoli started for Ottawa at Mosaic Stadium was in 2022, when he suffered a knee injury from a hit defensive lineman Garrett Marino, which ignited plenty of bad blood between the two sides at the time.  

If Ottawa can pick up a victory in Regina, they would clinch a playoff spot. If the Redblacks lose to the Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes defeat the Toronto Argonauts, then the Alouettes would clinch first place in the Eastern Division.  

Kickoff on Saturday is 1:00.