It will be a tough Thursday night matchup for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-3) as they head to the nation’s capital to meet the Ottawa Redblacks (5-2).
Saskatchewan is coming off a 42-31 loss to the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, while the Redblacks will be rested as they enjoyed a bye last week, with their last game on July 26.
Injuries have begun piling up for the green and white over the last few weeks, especially along the offensive line. Nick Jones will become the fourth player to start at right tackle for Saskatchewan this season following injuries to Jamarcus Hardrick and Jacob Brammer. Brandon Council retired earlier this week after he was the starter against Edmonton.
Zach Fry will be the third different Roughrider to start at left guard. Philip Blake and Nick Sceviour have both sidelined with injuries this season.
Running back A.J. Ouellette will miss another game with his hip injury although the production hasn’t dropped off with the ground game with Frankie Hickson in the lineup. In two games, the 27-year-old has 206 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Jameer Thurman, who has provided a boost for the defence at middle linebacker this season will miss Thursday’s contest with a thumb injury. C.J. Avery will move over to the middle linebacker spot with former Redblack Adam Auclair starting at weakside linebacker.
Shea Patterson will start at quarterback, but the Roughriders could get Trevor Harris back next week. The 38-year-old practiced this week but will remain on the six-game-injured list. Harris has been out since June 23 with a leg injury.
Wide receiver Keesean Johnson is also out this week after his best game with Riders against Edmonton, with six catches and 72 yards. Dohnte Meyers will take Johnson’s spot on the roster.
Saskatchewan made one addition this week with the signing of Canadian fullback Albert Awachie. The 31-year-old was released by the Toronto Argonauts earlier this week. Awachie spent his first six seasons in the CFL with Saskatchewan before signing with the Argos this winter. He will be in the Roughriders lineup likely contributing on special teams tonight.
Ottawa has won their last three games and are four points back of the Montreal Alouettes for top spot in the Eastern Division.
The Roughriders are tied with the BC Lions for the division lead in the west, but Calgary is two points back and Winnipeg is four points behind.