The Saskatchewan Roughriders still have a chance to win the West Division with five games left and one against the Edmonton Elks, the team they’re four points behind in the standings.
But the way things are going, Glen Suitor believes they’re perhaps more likely to finish fourth in the division and cross over to the East for the playoffs.
A lot of his pessimism stems from extended absences to receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker and Sam Emilus and uncertainty about their returns to the lineup.
“I think these injuries are finally rearing their ugly head,” Suitor said on Tuesday’s edition of the SportsCage. “When are they getting these playmakers back? If it’s four weeks from now, it’s time to maybe start to look at the practice roster, maybe look to sign guys that are on your (negotiation) list and bring them in while they’ve got a couple games to get under their belt before playoffs.”
The 19-6 loss the Riders suffered to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last Saturday has Suitor down on this group.
The Bombers brought a ton of pressure on Riders quarterback Trevor Harris, and Suitor felt like he lacked options in the receiving corps for quick passes.
“Were they sharp on their adjustments?” Suitor said. “Only they would know when they break down the film fully, but that’s what I wonder about.
“It was a master class in – I won’t say being out-coached – but the Bombers coaching staff did a really nice job in that one.”
The Riders racked up 278 yards of net offence and only 52 rushing yards. They failed to score a touchdown in what was their worst offensive showing of 2026.
“This is typical Banjo Bowl. It just is,” Suitor said. “It’s the hardest game in the regular season of the year for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And when they won last year, I said, ‘That is a mental hurdle that could carry them to the Grey Cup.’”
That didn’t happen this year. The Riders were tripped up by that hurdle.
Now, they’re two wins behind the Elks for top spot in the division with the Bombers and B.C. Lions just two points back.
The East could be calling.
Watch the full segment below.
