Riders’ kicker Brett Lauther dealing with tightness but aims to get 'back on track' for Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Roughriders' kicker Brett Lauther has been dealing with tightness since Week 15.

"Had some stuff going on since the Montreal game, tried to play through it, I haven't really felt right since then, but that's football. Everyone's playing through something this time of year. There is a joke in hockey, a long way from the heart," Lauther said. 

"I don't want to make the old age joke, but, like a pitcher, you use your legs so much in a season and start to tighten up -- about a month ago. Usually, things like that get better a lot quicker, you can bounce back, but this has been a little different. Right now, putting that behind me, focusing on Friday, trying to go out and get a win."

Lauther initially started his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2013 to 2014. Then he split time between the Riders and the Toronto Argonauts in 2015. The next time he was on a roster, he was with the Roughriders for a second time, followed by a stint with the Edmonton Elks in 2017. In 2018, the 34-year-old went back to Saskatchewan for a third time and he's been with the team ever since.

"Trying to go out this weekend, trying to get back on track. Nothing in the past can change, so I'm looking forward to it, trying to get ready for the cold weather and get ready for the bigger games. It all starts with trying to look at the big picture, but trying to look at a good, hungry opponent this week in Toronto. You can't overlook anyone."

Lauther assured Rider Nation he's ready for Friday's game at Mosaic Stadium.

"It's been up and down, that's for sure," Lauther said about his leg tightness. "I would have liked to have been out here a lot more for practice and not missing a game. Right now, I'll probably leave most of the stuff to [Corey] Mace to talk about the injuries. I've definitely felt better, but I'll be fine to go out on Friday."

In Week 18, Saskatchewan beat the Ottawa Redblacks 20-13. Lauther did not play due to a back injury. Campbell Fair started and missed two extra points in the game. Head coach Corey Mace was asked how the team decided which kicker would suit up in Week 19 versus Toronto. 

“We gave Campbell a shot last week and unfortunately for him, it didn't go as planned. We still had Brett, we brought in [Michael] Hughes and we let them all swing this week. Ultimately, we went with the guy that we feel gives us the best chance and allows us also to put together a roster that we feel puts us in the best position to win,” Mace said.

Statistically, Lauther has a 68.9 field goal percentage, which ranks last in the CFL among kickers in the 2025 season.

“I know the optics of it, but Brett, man, if we can put him in good situations -- me not throwing him out there on 55s and 57s -- he's excellent in his kickoffs, amongst the top in the league, which helps our team as well," Mace explained. "There's a lot of things that went into the decision, but this is how we're rolling this week. Each week, we'll let 'em swing and we'll see through the rest of the season.”

The Riders are first in the West Division with an 11-4 record. Saskatchewan can clinch first place if the Riders beat Toronto or Calgary loses against the Tiger-Cats and host the West Final. The last time the Riders won the West Division and hosted the West Final was in 2019 with a 13-5 record. 

"I'll never forget where I was standing and everything right there with the crossbar shot. That sticks out right away, but that was a special year, a special team. You don't get lots of opportunities to get in those games and we haven't got over the hump since I've been here," Lauther reflected on the 2019 season. "A lot of close ones with Winnipeg, but this group's really good, really special. We're going to have another good shot at it, but it starts with going 1-0 this week."

Saskatchewan hosts the Toronto Argonauts on Friday for the "Lights Out" game as the Green and White will be wearing their obsidian green jerseys. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates have the pre-game show at 4 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 7 p.m. Listen or watch our comprehensive coverage on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.