Roughriders meet Stampeders in a pivotal matchup in the playoff chase

The Canadian Football League playoffs are still six weeks away, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-7-1) are facing a must win game when they head to Calgary to meet the Stampeders (4-8-1). 

After beginning the season on top of the Western Division with a 5-1 start, the Roughriders have struggled, going winless in their last seven games. They now find themselves in third spot, three points back of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6) and BC Lions (7-7). 

With the green and white’s recent struggles, the Edmonton Elks (5-8) have pulled themselves back into the thick of the playoff race, only trailing the Roughriders by one point, with Calgary only two points back. The Roughriders and Stampeders will meet on two occasions before the end of the regular season, including tonight’s game.  

Running back Ryquell Armstead will be thrown right into the fire for Saskatchewan after he was signed by the team earlier this week. He will be in the starting lineup with Frankie Hickson placed on the one-game injured list, AJ Ouellette remains on the six-game injured list.  

Armstead was released by the Ottawa Redblacks, despite having 623 rushing yards on the season. Ottawa replaced Armstead with former Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow.  

Saskatchewan’s defence will be without a couple of key players for Friday’s night battle with the Stampeders. Defensive back Rolan Milligan, possibly the Roughriders best player in 2024, will miss this week’s game. He was absent from practice this week due to personal reasons, as he returned home for the birth of his daughter. Milligan is tied for the most interceptions in the CFL this season. He is fourth overall in total tackles (80) in the league, including leading the league in special teams tackles (18). Amari Henderson will draw back in the lineup and take Milligan’s spot in the defensive backfield. 

Also, out this week will be defensive end Malik Carney, due to an ankle injury. He is third on the team in sacks (4) this season. Habukkak Baldonado will start in his place.  

Despite returning to practice this week, Anthony Lanier II will not be back in the Roughriders lineup, he has been out since July 28.

Along the offensive line, Saskatchewan will see a little bit of continuity, with the same group starting that was in place in their last game, against Winnipeg.  

Following tonight’s game, the Roughriders return to Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, September 28 when they meet the Ottawa Redblacks, marking their final game against an eastern opponent.  

In the final month of the season, Saskatchewan will have three pivotal contests against divisional opponents in Edmonton, BC and Calgary.