Game notes and roster updates ahead of Saskatchewan’s Week 9 contest against Edmonton
On Saskatchewan’s side, quarterback Shea Patterson will be making his fifth start of the year as he continues to fill in for the injured Trevor Harris.
Despite the Elks coming in without a win this year, the Riders aren’t taking them lightly.
“There’s respect for that team,” said Patterson. “A lot of their games have been decided in the last few minutes of the game.
“They always seem to play us well and they’re a good team. They’re hungry so we’re going to treat them like we would Montreal or B.C. or Winnipeg or Toronto.”
Roster notes
Meanwhile, right tackle Jacob Brammer (hamstring, one-game injured list) is out meaning Brandon Council will draw the start.
Along the defensive line, Anthony Lanier II (knee, six-game injured list) will also miss this week’s game as Caleb Sanders gets back into the lineup.
On Edmonton’s side, running back Kevin Brown (shoulder) also won’t play. Last year, Brown had a 175-yard rushing performance against the Green and White in Week 15. Dynamic returner Javon Leake will draw the start for the Elks.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said on facing Leake. “He does a good job catching the ball out of the backfield.
“And he’s quick as a hiccup; Coach Kent (Maugeri) like to use that one so I’m stealing that, Kent. But he’s a tremendous player.”
Next man up
With players like Harris, Ouellette, receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker and injured offensive linemen Jermarcus Hardrick and Philip Blake all out alongside Brammer, the Roughriders have certainly had to take a “next-man-up” approach this season.
“We nailed that first meeting of training camp,” said Mace. “And then first meeting going into the season.
“Everybody in the room most likely will have an opportunity to play so be ready. And we don’t expect any drop off.”
Home turf
So far this season, the Riders hold a 3-0 record when playing at Mosaic Stadium while they are 2-2 on the road.
“We put an emphasis on kind of protecting this house,” said Patterson. “It’s very special to us and I know it’s special to the fans and to everybody in Regina.
“Anybody comes into your home, you’ve got to protect it and fight for your family, so that’s kind of our mindset whenever we play at home.”
Previous meeting
Saturday’s game will be the second meeting of the season between the two clubs after they also met in Week 1.
In that game, Edmonton built up a 21-8 lead before the Riders scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pick up the 29-21 win.
Since then, both teams have had some changes to their lineup, whether it be due to performance or injury, so the film study looks a little bit different this week.
“A lot of changes (and) a few different pieces that they’ve slotted in,” said Mace. “As have we.
“You’ve got to look at (the film), but a lot of things adapt over time. Players are getting more comfortable in the system. Coaches are getting more comfortable understanding who their players are and what they’re good at.
“So, you’ve got to kind of take a wide scope and see what it is that they do really well and see if we can limit that.”
Pivot play
The Riders will now have to defend Ford, who is making his first start of the season after throwing three touchdown passes in a relief performance for McLeod Bethel-Thompson in Edmonton’s 44-28 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“He definitely brings a different dynamic to the game, especially what he can do with his legs,” said Riders’ defensive back Amari Henderson, who is making his second straight start in place of Deontai Williams. “He can improvise (and) create longer players, so whenever you’re out there, you’ve got to make sure you guard your man.”
Long week
After having just five days between their previous two games, Saskatchewan is enjoying an eight-day period between games as they get set to take on Edmonton.
Saskatchewan practised just twice last before taking on Montreal, while this week, they’ve had three practices and a walk through ahead of Saturday’s game.
“Repetition helps with execution,” said Mace. “Longer weeks, you’re going to have more reps and more time to study.”
Dheilly retires
On Thursday, the Riders announced that Canadian defensive lineman Nicholas Dheilly has announced his retirement from the CFL.
The Regina product suited up for 16 games over three seasons with the Green and White, making one defensive tackle and six special teams tackles.
The 26-year-old former Regina Ram and Saskatchewan Huskie was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2020 before signing with the Riders.
“You want to be around the guys you start the year with, but Nic just felt it was time for him to just focus on some other things outside of football,” said Mace. “Out of respect for the guy he is, even though I wish he didn’t (retire), before anything else as a person, if he’s at peace, I’m at peace.”
“We wish him nothing but the best in his life after football.”
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