The Saskatchewan Roughriders are expected to be missing a pair of linebackers for their Labour Day Classic matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Weakside linebacker Josh Woods and his backup from last week Nick Wiebe have both been ruled out by the team for Sunday’s tilt because of ankle and knee injuries, respectively.
Aubrey Miller Jr., who was a backup middle linebacker for previous contests, appears to be getting the start in place of Woods.
“He’s been around for a couple years in the system,” Riders coach Corey Mace said. “Any opportunity he’s had to play any defence, he’s done a good job for us. If it turns out that way, just a good opportunity for him to highlight his skill set and prove that we’ve got depth and multiple spots.
“The intensity that he plays with, he flies around and he’s looking to finish plays.”
Miller has two defensive tackles, 13 on special teams, and a forced fumble this season.
“I just want to thank the organization for believing in me to able to fill in the shoes of a great linebacker, Josh Woods,” Miller said.
Woods went down holding his left ankle while in pursuit of Argonauts ball carrier Tyler Kahmann with 1:05 left in the second quarter of the 28-24 win over the Toronto Argonauts last Saturday. He needed assistance from the Riders training staff but did return to the game.
Neither he nor Wiebe participated in practices this week.
Woods has 47 defensive tackles, one sack, and two interceptions this season. Wiebe has seven tackles on special teams, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
In other injury news, running back A.J. Ouellette and defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Ouellette has been limited to four games this season and has been out the last five contests with a knee problem. He was a full participant in each of the last two practices. Brooks Jr., who was demoted to the reserve roster before last weekend’s game, was limited in Friday’s on-field session because of a wrist injury.
Defensive lineman James Vaughters (quad), defensive backs Marcus Sayles (quad), Jaxon Ford (ankle), and Kerfalla Exume (ankle), and receivers KeeSean Johnson (back) and Johnny Johnson III (head) are all available for action against Winnipeg.
