The Saskatchewan Roughriders star running back hasn’t practised this week due to a hip injury and won’t play on Thursday night
Running back A.J. Ouellette has officially been ruled out of the game as he deals with a hip injury ahead of Saskatchewan’s Week 8 matchup. Ouellette hasn’t practised this week after limping off the field late in Friday’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I think we might let the horse just chill in the stable for a little bit,” Riders’ head coach Corey Mace said after Tuesday’s closed practice. “He’s been battling the last couple (weeks) and he’s put it out there for us.
“I think it’s the right thing to do for the ol’ workhorse.”
This season, Saskatchewan’s prized free agent signing has racked up 389 yards along the ground on 96 carries while also scoring three touchdowns. Through the air, the 29-year-old has caught 11 passes for 106 yards.
He’s also been slow to the sidelines on a number of occasions but hasn’t missed a game this season.
With Ouellette heading to the injured list this week, American running back Frankie Hickson will come off the practice roster to start.
“We’ve got all the faith in the world in Frankie Hickson,” said Mace. “An explosive back (and) really good in protection.”
The 27-year-old Hickson is in his third season with the Green and White. He was activated for one game this season, which was in Week 5 when he had one carry for six yards against the Toronto Argonauts.
Last year as a backup to Jamal Morrow, he appeared in 10 games where he had 35 carries for 157 yards. In his rookie season, Hickson had 85 carries for 533 yards and a touchdown.
Saskatchewan will also be without Canadian receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker this week after he left last week’s game against Winnipeg with a shoulder injury.
The timeline for his potential return is unknown.
“It definitely not going to be this week,” said Mace. “Still making the discussions on how long we anticipate it.”
Alouettes update
It appears the Alouettes won’t have quarterback Cody Fajardo under centre this week as the former Rider has been listed as “doubtful” as he deals with a hamstring injury.
Caleb Evans will draw the start for Montreal if Fajardo can’t go. Alouettes receiver Kaion Julien-Grant is also doubtful with a shoulder injury.
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