Welcome to the SportsCage.com Saskatchewan Roughriders free agency project. We’re profiling each of the team’s pending free agents over November and December.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders first brought in A.J. Ouellette to carry the mail when the weather gets colder and the games get more important, and he’s largely fulfilled expectations.
But can the Riders count on the running back through the strain of 18 regular season games to get to that point?
Ouellette was limited to just eight CFL contests because of injuries for the second time in three years. It was ankle and knee problems that sidelined Ouellette this time, whereas a hip ailment kept him out in 2024.
That’s a lot of wear and tear to contend with while attempting to excel at such a physically demanding position. Ouellette didn’t exactly look like his old self down the stretch, either, right down to trying to make cuts with a knee brace on.
Still, Ouellette is just a year removed from finishing second in the CFL with 1,222 rushing yards and 248 carries. He was also integral on the run to the Grey Cup championship, rushing for 196 yards and a touchdown in two postseason games.
Perhaps an offseason of rest and recovery will help Ouellette stay healthy and return to that form. But will he get the chance to show that in Saskatchewan?
The case for bringing him back
The career-best campaign of 2025 isn’t long ago. That should provide some confidence that Ouellette can be that productive again if he avoids missing too much time.
He’s more of a power back than a speedster or someone who slashes and dashes across the field, so that could work to his advantage as he gets older.
Ouellette is also regarded as one of the top blockers at his position in the CFL. That isn’t a small thing in a three-down league where pass protection is so vital.
The case against bringing him back
The Riders can’t re-sign Ouellette with plans on him being the No. 1 back if they don’t trust he can be available for them.
Ouellette’s stats were unremarkable over the eight games he suited up in. He carried the ball 108 times for 501 yards and just one touchdown. It’s a huge problem if those numbers are a harbinger of things to come.
Finally, Ouellette is 31. It’s not like he’s ancient, but that’s old enough at such a tough spot on the field given his injury history. And there should be enough replacement options to choose from if the Riders want to go there.
