There was some hope during Saskatchewan Roughriders practice this week that some sort of miracle recovery would enable standout receiver KeeSean Johnson to hit the field against the Montreal Alouettes on Monday, but the bad news was made official on Saturday.
The final injury report leading up to the crucial match-up revealed that Johnson will be sidelined with an ankle injury sustained late in the loss to Calgary last week. Johnson had been on the field in a hoodie during practice this week and attempted to give it a go, but the damage proved too much to recover from in just a week.
The receiving corps looked as if it just might receive reinforcement from Sam Emilus as he saw limited action while recovering from a lower leg ailment, but he’ll need at least another week to get back in the line-up.
Also missing will be fullback Albert Awachie, who just recently returned from an ankle injury but damaged a quadricep last week and will be out.
There was some good news, though, and it comes in an area that can most certainly use the help.
Defensive back Tevaughn Campbell was at full speed all week in practice after recovering from a broken forearm and will be back on the field against the Alouettes. He had been out of action since suffering the injury against the Edmonton Elks back on Aug. 1 and had missed the last eight games.
Return specialist Mathew Sexton is also back in the lineup after missing the last 10 games with a severe ankle injury suffered in Week 6 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Derrick Roberson is available to return to the defensive line after missing last week with a knee injury and quarterback Tommy Stevens will be in action after recovering from illness.
Offensive lineman Payton Collins will be a game-time decision as he attempts to fight through n ankle injury.
Monday’s contest features a very early start, with the Rider Broadcast Network pregame show with Teagan Witko, Wes Cates and plenty of special guests beginning at 8 a.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder will then have the game call at kickoff at 11 a.m.
