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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have two big weapons returning to their arsenal for their showdown with the B.C. Lions on Friday.
After logging full practices this week, the returns of running back A.J. Ouellette and slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker were made official as the team released its depth chart on Thursday.
Read more:
- ‘Pretty surreal’: Riders’ kicker Hodge recalls CFL debut against Winnipeg
- Riders’ Malcolm Bell ready to make first CFL start against B.C.
- A.J. Ouellette, Kian Schaffer-Baker back with starters in practice
Ouellette has played in four games this season, logging 288 yards. He has missed the past seven games due to a knee injury he suffered in a game against the Edmonton Elks.
Schaffer-Baker has played in seven games this season, recording 45 catches for 704 yards and four touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Antoine Brooks Jr. will once again get a chance to show what he can do.
The linebacker began the season as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ starter, but after 10 games the Riders made a change putting Seyi Oladipo at that spot for the past three games. In those 10 games, Brooks had 57 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
With Oladipo being placed on the six-game injured list, Brooks Jr. will once again get a chance to provide a spark for the team.
“Nothing to reflect on. Just do what is best for the team. I did it last year. There’s no point in arguing about what’s going on,” Brooks said. “This is not my total team, but it’s my team. I don’t make all the decisions, so it is what it is. I’m glad we’re here.”
Brooks and the rest of the Riders’ defence will look to stop quarterback Nathan Rourke and force last season’s most outstanding CFL player to make a few mistakes.
“Execute the plays from the certain times we have to contain him or him running outside. We have to make sure we keep him inside the pocket so he makes the throws we want him to make,” Brooks said. “Make sure we can get him frantic back there, and get him a little nervous back there.”
The Riders’ defence will also need to handle the Lions’ two-headed rushing attack, which features Zander Horvath – who has a league-leading 19 touchdowns (16 rushing, three receiving) – and veteran James Butler
“This week you should see a lot more people to the ball and a lot more tackling to the ball,” Brooks said.
Another change on the defensive side of the ball will see defensive back Malcolm Bell make his first career CFL start this week. The first-round CFL draft choice will slide into Marcus Sayles’ spot as he makes the move inside to halfback in place of Jonathan Edouard.
Wide receiver Dylan Djete will start as wide receiver, as Daniel Wiebe (head) is out. Shemar Bridges is on the team’s reserve roster.
Fullback Albert Awachie also makes his return as offensive lineman, as Erik Andersen comes off.
The Riders can clinch their season series with the Lions with a win. Saskatchewan can also clinch a playoff spot with a win paired with losses by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders.
Kickoff for the game is set for 8:30 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m.
