Sam Emilus returns to Riders’ lineup for crucial clash against Lions

Sam Emilus is back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Grey Cup Most Outstanding Canadian has been on the sidelines for the last three games dealing with a foot injury. He returns to the lineup this week as the Riders take on the B.C. Lions on Sunday.

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“It feels great. Being out for three weeks now, just being back outside with the boys felt amazing,” Emilus said.

The 28-year-old wide receiver had 448 yards and five touchdowns before his injury.

Emilus suffered a foot injury in Week 8 against the Edmonton Elks and while he was originally on the one-game injured list and was a game-time decision for two games, the team decided to put him onto the six-game injured list as they waited for tests to determine the extent of the injury.

“Obviously, me being a competitor, I wanted to play but it was also (about) being smart because it’s a long season,” Emilus said.

“It was tough but thankfully guys stepped up. I missed three games and I think we won two. Guys who had to replace me stepped up, and we saw what they can bring to the table. That’s big for the long run and for their career also.”

Over recent games, KeeSean Johnson and Dhel Duncan-Busby were the only Week 1 starters in the lineup due to injuries to Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker (knee) and Jaylen Johnson being released after being moved to the practice roster for a stretch.

Johnny Johnson III, D’Sean Mimbs and Dylan Djete have had to become bigger contributors for the team over recent games.

While the offence weathered the storm for the most part, it struggled in the team’s last outing — a 26-19 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Quarterback Trevor Harris is happy to have Emilus back as a weapon.

“There’s a reason why he’s one of the higher-paid guys in the league. Him and I have played together for the first part of ’23 and in ’24 and ’25. Last I remember telling him in ’24 was he was going to be a Hall of Famer. I don’t think he believed me but eventually the media and him will believe me and you’ll see it throughout the course of his career,” Harris said.

“Those guys have done a good job filling in for him and getting some experience so down the road if they are ever needed, we know we can count on them.”

Emilus isn’t the only player returning to the lineup as defensive tackle Ali Saad (calf) and returner James Letcher Jr. (forearm) also come back after spending the full stint on the six-game injured list. Offensive linemen Zack Fry (knee) and Daniel Johnson (illness) return as the team’s additional offensive linemen.

Running back Quali Conley (hamstring) returns after missing the last game.

Kickoff for the showdown is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.