Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
Aubrey Miller Jr. has been showcasing his talents on special teams for the Saskatchewan Roughriders since 2024.
Now, the linebacker will make his first career CFL start in the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — a game Miller Jr. hasn’t played in, as he has battled injuries.
Read more:
- Former Roughrider Dohnte Meyers turns $100 tryout into NFL dream
- WHL moves games to YouTube amid uncertainty over Victory+
- Nathan Jule’s long road back leads to Huskies football return
“It’s going to be a big rivalry game with a lot of emotions and a lot of feelings are going to be in the air, especially for me individually as well,” Miller Jr. said.
The opportunity comes after linebacker Josh Woods suffered an ankle injury in last week’s 28-24 win over the Toronto Argonauts. He was placed on the one-game injured list. Woods had started every game this season for Saskatchewan, recording 47 tackles, a sack and two interceptions.
“I can thank God and I want to thank the organization for believing in me to fill in the shoes of a great linebacker in Josh Woods,” Miller Jr. said.
Miller Jr. leads the Riders with 13 special-teams tackles this season — the fifth-most in the CFL.
Head coach Corey Mace believes special-teams is a proving ground for players looking to get snaps with the offence or defence.
“Aubrey has done that at a high level. We’ve had really good players just ahead of him at those spots. He has had some different packages and has come into games and done well. It’s not a matter of trust here in these situations. You’re really excited for the guy to get the opportunity and see what he can do,” Mace said.
One of his assignments will be trying to stop Blue Bombers rusher Brady Oliveira. Oliveira, a two-time Most Outstanding Canadian award winner and the 2024 CFL Most Outstanding Player, currently leads the way with 956 rushing yards this season.
Oliveira isn’t a running back who shies away from contact — something Miller Jr. is looking forward to.
“I love contact so that’s what I’m looking for,” Miller Jr. said.
“I think we just want our opponents to lay down and not get up. I feel like anyone stepping in front of us, they are trying to stop what we are trying to accomplish. A part of domination is making sure they don’t get to do that and we impose our will and demand anything that we want against anybody.”
Johnny Johnson III missed last week’s contest due to a head injury but he returns to the starting lineup. Wide receiver Shemar Bridges, who signed with the Riders last week, has been put onto the reserve roster.
In other moves, linebacker Nick Wiebe (knee) and linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr. (wrist) were also added to the one-game injured list.
Safety Jaxon Ford (ankle) and defensive end Aaron Patrick come onto the game-day roster. Defensive end Desmond Evans has been added to the practice roster.
Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders depth chart for the 2026 Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. (Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)
The Saskatchewan Roughriders player roster for the 2026 Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. (Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)
Read more:
