Roughriders make wholesale changes for game against Blue Bombers after clinching West Final

REGINA -- There are still two games remaining in the Canadian Football League regular season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but it’s safe to say they’ll be taking the field in those contests with one eye on the playoffs.

Case in point, their roster for Friday’s game in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers.

The Green and White have opted to rest both quarterback Trevor Harris and running back A.J. Ouellette as part of a host of roster changes heading into the Week 20 matchup at Princess Auto Stadium, while also making a host of changes throughout the line-up

Harris will serve as the third-string quarterback behind starter Jake Maier and back-up Jack Coan. Maier has started one game this season, completing 13-of-23 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown in Saskatchewan’s 37-18 win over the B.C. Lions back in Week 4. For the season, Maier is 25-of-43 for 340 yards with two majors and an interception.

Mario Anderson Jr. comes off the practice roster and will get the start at running back in place of Ouellette, having played eight games with 17 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon will be his back-up.

Receiver KeeSean Johnson and slotback Sam Emilus both move to the one-game injured list, with Shawn Bane Jr. moving in to start at wideout and Dhel Duncan-Busby at slot.

On the offensive line, Jermarcus Hardick moves to the sidelines in favour of Darius Washington at right tackle, while Braydon Noll starts at centre ahead of Logan Ferland. It’s the first start of Noll’s CFL career.

The Roughriders defence sees a welcome return, as Tevaughn Campbell is back in the line-up after recovering from a concussion. He’ll take over the weak-side cornerback spot from Marcus Sayles, who is out with an ankle injury. The remainder of the defensive secondary remains the same as Week 19.

The defensive line will see tackle Micah Johnson get the night off, with Caleb Sanders getting the start in his place.

Two other changes see Aubrey Miller Jr. in as a back-up linebacker and Chico Bennett Jr. as a back-up at defensive end.

Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates will have the pre-game show on Friday at 3 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder bring the game call at 6 p.m. Listen to our comprehensive coverage on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.