REGINA — It seems like every day the news on the Saskatchewan Roughriders injury front gets worse and worse, and that was no exception when the team released their depth chart and roster for their Week 10 match-up with the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday.
No news was bigger than the outcome for two of the Riders’ big three receivers, as both Sam Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker have been moved to the six-game injured list.
Emilus missed last week’s rematch with the Edmonton Elks due to a foot injury, while Schaffer-Baker suffered a knee injury in that same contest.
“Injuries happen in football, man,” Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said during practice earlier this week. “If before the season you could circle it up and anticipate who would get hurt that would be awesome, but it’s just not how it goes. That’s why you have a full roster, a full locker room of people and they prepare themselves as if they’re going to have to play. That’s kind of been what it is since I’ve been here and really anywhere else I’ve ever been. It’s part of the game sadly.”
The loss of Emilus and Schaffer-Baker means Dylan Djete will get his first CFL start at wideout in place of Emilus, while Dhel Duncan-Busby starts on the other corner, with KeeSean Johnson, Johnny Johnson III and Regina product D’Sean Mimbs filling out the slots.
Joining the receiving duo on the six-game injured is fullback Albert Awachie, whose blocking prowess has been a key factor in Saskatchewan’s success this season. No replacement was listed on the depth chart.
Saskatchewan’s defensive secondary also takes a hit, with Tevaughn Campbell moving to the six-game with a forearm injury, while James Burgess Jr. shifts back to the practice roster.
The news wasn’t all bad, as defensive back Nelson Lokombo makes his return after recovering from an ankle injury that caused him to miss the previous two games.
Seyi Oladipo Jr. is in as a back-up linebacker while Canadian Darius Bell cracks the line-up as a back-up offensive lineman and Canadian Liam Hoskins slots in as a back-up defensive lineman.
Linebacker Josh Woods will be a game-time decision.
The Roughriders Broadcast Network is on the air at 4 p.m. on Friday with the pregame show, and Dave Thomas and Luc Mullider will have the game call at kickoff at 7 p.m.
