REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders welcome back a couple familiar faces who haven’t played on a CFL field in quite some time when the team faces the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium.
One a complete surprise, and one as expected.
Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou makes his 2025 CFL season debut after returning to the team this week from Indianapolis Colts training camp and standout return specialist Mario Alford is back in action after missing the last six games.
Ajou was officially signed by the team on Thursday and showed enough in practice on Friday to be added to the line-up. He jumps in at slotback and backs up Canadian Tommy Nield. Alford hasn’t played since Week 6 when he suffered a hip injury during the Riders loss to the Calgary Stampeders. At that time, he was leading the CFL in return yardage.
The Roughriders could also welcome back defensive back Marcus Sayles, who will be a game-time decision after suffering a hip injury in Week 11 against Hamilton. Should Sayles be unable to go, either American rookie Benny Sapp III would be called up from the practice roster or Canadian Kerfalla Exume could get the start in his place.
Former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout Nick Wiebe makes his return at linebacker after tweaking his knee in the lead-up to last week’s contest against Calgary. He slots in behind the team tackles leader Jameer Thurman at middle linebacker.
The news isn’t as good for Canadian defensive back Nelson Lokombo, who moves to the one-game injured list with an ankle injury sustained last week. He’s joined there by American cornerback Antoine Brooks Jr., Regina product and receiver Mitchell Picton and returner Darius McCray, who is out with a concussion.
There had been some speculation kicker Brett Lauther could be sidelined in favour of newcomer Campbell Fair after leaving practice early on Thursday, but those rumours were completely unfounded. As it turns out, Lauther welcomed his first child this week -- Townes Mary Ann Lauther -- who was born Wednesday not.
The Rider Broadcast Network pre-game show kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday with Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates, while Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder will have the game call at 5 p.m.
