Sarah Mills: There are always things for which we should be grateful
Sarah Mills says that even in tough times, we all have things we should be grateful for over the Thanksgiving weekend.
As kicker Brett Lauther got refamiliarized with the Saskatchewan Roughriders the past few days, there was one piece of extra business he had to take care of — get back the No. 12 jersey.
Lauther had spent seven seasons with the Riders before he was released this past offseason after a 2025 season where he hit just 72.2 per cent of his field goal attempts. He signed with the Ottawa Redblacks and had a career resurgence in 2026, hitting 94.1 per cent of his attempts.
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With Saskatchewan’s kicking struggles all season, general manager Jeremy O’Day sent a fifth-round draft choice to Ottawa for the veteran.
But the number he wore for years was being used by rookie defensive back Malcolm Bell this season.
But it sounds like negotiations between the veteran and rookie went smoothly, as Lauther got his jersey number back as Bell made the change to No. 4.
“Thanks to Malcolm. I’ll probably keep the transaction just between us but very thankful for him. We got it worked out and I think four looks good on him too,” Lauther said.
“We had an exchange of some stuff but I don’t want to put it out there or put it on him or anything. It all worked out and very thankful for him.”
On the field, Lauther has been working with long-snapper Mike Benson and holder Oscar Chapman as he will make his 2026 Riders debut on Monday in Montreal as Saskatchewan take on the Alouettes. Kickoff for the game is set for 11 a.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 9 a.m.
“These guys are great. Everyone over here has been really good and it’s good to get back in the swing of things. I’m just very thankful to be back here,” Lauther said.
“They have been super accommodating, but I have been trying to fit in with what they are doing. I don’t want to come in, step on toes, or change too much. I just want to fit in as much as I can. Everyone has been very accommodating to me.
“Not too picky. Just focused on that it doesn’t really matter what the snap or hold situation is, I’m just trying to make the kick every time. Everything can’t be perfect, I’m trying my best to be perfect.”
Saskatchewan will be without two of its top offensive weapons this week as slotback Sam Emilus (foot) and wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (ankle) are both ruled out for the game. Emilus has been out since Week 12 while Johnson was injured in last week’s 37-31 loss to the Calgary Stampeders.
Fullback Albert Awachie (quad) has also been ruled out.
Offensive tackle Payton Collins appeared on the injury report following the team’s closed practice on Thursday. He is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
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