REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders will see plenty of changes to their line-up when they take the field on Saturday night in Edmonton against the Elks and that includes the return of a pair of players who have missed the entire regular season to this point.
After being listed as available the last few weeks, receiver Shawn Bane Jr. has shown enough progress in his recovery from a knee injury to make his 2025 season debut. He’ll serve as one of the team’s Designated Americans and will slot in behind Ajou Ajou at receiver.
Offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon also plays his first game of the regular season after his remarkable recovery from a torn left bicep. Gagnon will serve as the sixth man on the o-line, and his return comes at a good time as left guard Zack Fry has been moved to the six-game injured list with a knee injury. One other change on the offensive line sees Braydon Noll return to the practice roster.
The receiving corps also welcomes back Samuel Emilus after the former 1,000-yard pass catcher missed the previous six games with a knee injury. He’ll get the start at slotback ahead of fellow Canadian Dhel Duncan-Busby.
After missing Week 15’s contest against Montreal with a knee injury, defensive back Marcus Sayles makes his return and will get the start on the weak side corner. Cornerback Kerfalla Exume, who started in Sayles place in Montreal, moves to the strong side behind Benny Sapp III.
The Roughriders have also made a change at punter, with Jesse Mirco taking over from Joe Couch, who moves to the practice roster.
The defensive line will see a single change, as Shane Ray moves to the one-game list with a shoulder injury. Habakkuk Baldonado takes over in his place at defensive end.
Saskatchewan will also be without return specialist Mario Alford, who moves to the one-game injured list.
Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates will have the pre-game show on the Rider Broadcast Network at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder on the game call at 5 p.m.
