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A.J. Ouellette will be given at least a week to rest by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“I think we might let the horse chill in the stable for a little bit just to get back,” said Riders head coach Corey Mace when asked about the availability of the running back this week. “He’s been battling the last couple and he has put it out there for us.
“I think it’s the right thing to do for the old workhorse there.”
Ouellette has missed the week of practice ahead of the team’s Thursday night game against the Montreal Alouettes with a hip injury. Kickoff for the game at Molson Stadium is set for 5:30 p.m. Sask. time.
The Covington, Ohio product has 389 yards and three rushing touchdowns so far this season. While he had a slow start in his first two games, he has averaged over 81 yards per game the past four match-ups.
That means Frankie Hickson will come into the lineup.
“We have all the faith in the world in Frankie Hickson. He is an explosive back and really good in protection,” Mace said. “We’re going to let Frankie spin this week.”
Hickson joined the Riders in 2022 and has 121 carries for 696 yards and a touchdown in his career. He has averaged 5.8 yards per carry, mostly as a backup.
He has only dressed for one game this season, with his only carry of 2024 going for six yards.
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Offensive guard Logan Ferland said it feels good to get the team’s rushing attack going despite the group dealing with some injuries to starters.
“We’re always going to have guys banged up regardless,” Ferland said. “There’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes with guys battling through injuries but we have some tough players on our team, and that’s our mentality.
“No matter who is out there, we’re going to be physical and we’re going to get some yards.”
Teams have been able to run the ball against Montreal so far this season, with the Alouettes giving up 109 yards per game. Only the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are giving up more (119 per game).
The Riders will also be without slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker due to a shoulder injury. Mace said they don’t have a timeline on when he could return to game action.
The Alouettes have listed quarterback Cody Fajardo as doubtful ahead of the game with a hamstring injury.
Since the Riders’ moved off of Fajardo in the offseason following the 2022 season, the Als quarterback has yet to face his former team.
Caleb Evans is expected to start for the Als. He started in Montreal’s 41-12 win over the Riders last season.
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