OTTAWA -- The times, they are a changin’ for the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they head into their Week 18 Canadian Football League match-up against the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday night.
The Riders will see a total of 14 personnel changes from Week 17, with player returns and injuries giving the Redblacks quite a different look compared to what teams have seen from the Green and White in recent weeks.
The most notable change comes at kicker, as Brett Lauther moves to the one-game list with a back injury. Fellow Canadian Campbell Fair will make his CFL debut in Lauther’s place.
The Roughriders welcome back a pair of players who have missed a substantial amount of time due to injury. Heading that list is Canadian receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker, who will make his return at slotback after recovering from a foot injury suffered way back in Week 1 of the season.
Canadian running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon also makes his return after missing the Riders last 11 games with a leg injury. He takes over as 1,000-yard rusher A.J. Ouellette’s back-up, with Mario Anderson Jr. moving to the practice roster.
Short yardage specialist quarterback Tommy Stevens moves to the one-game list with a knee injury, with Jack Coan having recovered from a hand injury and suiting up in his place as the third-string quarterback.
One other change in the skill position corps sees receiver Ajou Ajou moving to back up fellow Canadian Tommy Nield at slotback, with KeeSean Johnson and Dohnte Meyers serving as the wide-outs. Regina product Mitch Picton moves to the one-game injured list.
The offensive line will have a couple changes precipitated by left guard Daniel Johnson moving to the six-game list with a foot injury. Canadian Philippe Gagnon gets his first start of 2025 after making his season debut last week and Canadian Braydon Noll comes off the practice roster as the sixth man.
There are also a handful of changes on defence, beginning with linebacker C.J. Reavis making his first start of the season at his original position of safety. Antoine Brooks Jr. moves into Reavis’ strong-side linebacker spot after playing weak-side against Edmonton.
Cornerback Marcus Sayles is a game-time decision as he continues to recover from a leg injury.
Linebacker Melique Straker makes his return after recovering from a leg injury and backs up weak side linebacker A.J. Allen.
The Roughriders also welcome a new face on defence, as former NFL defensive back Sheldrick Redwine makes his debut after signing on Sept. 15. He’ll back up Benny Sapp III in his first CFL contest.
Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates will have the pre-game show on the Rider Broadcast Network beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder with the game call when kick-off comes at 5:30 p.m.
