Wiebe, Ford return to Riders’ lineup for Labour Day Classic rematch

Linebacker Nick Wiebe and safety Jaxon Ford will have their patience and persistence pay off this week.

Ford will make his season debut on Saturday for the Saskatchewan Roughriders this week after undergoing off-season wrist surgery.

“I’m thrilled to be out here. Working for 12 weeks on the sidelines was definitely tough, but to finally able to strap it up, it feels good for sure,” said Ford, a former University of Regina Ram who is in his second season with the Riders.

Wiebe will appear in his first-ever CFL game after being the team’s second-round choice in this year’s CFL draft. The former University of Saskatchewan Huskie suffered a torn ACL during a 40-17 loss against the University of Alberta on Nov. 4.

“I’m ready to roll. I mean, it’s a professional league, so I think going out anything less than 100 per cent would be irresponsible of me for the team, and honestly, just for my personal health,” Wiebe said. “I feel awesome.”

Both will draw into the Riders’ lineup as the Green and White look to hand the Winnipeg Blue Bombers a loss in the Labour Day Classic rematch. Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m. It will not be broadcast on TSN, and is only available on CTV.

(Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)

Ford appeared in 12 games for the Riders last season, recording 12 tackles and the pass knockdown that won the 2023 Labour Day Classic for Saskatchewan. He broke his hand during that season and played through it until it was noticed in April.

“I knew something was wrong but I didn’t really know,” Ford said. “Definitely a mental toll for sure.”

The ACL tear was Wiebe’s first major injury as well, and he also said the mental part of it was tough on him.

“I’ve just had a really good support system to lean on,” Wiebe said. “It’s not fun — you get to see everyone else living your dream for nine months of your life and you don’t really get to participate much but being back … I have had the most fun I have the past two weeks of practice than I have had in the past year.”

Part of the supporting cast for each player has been each other, as the two have worked together on the sidelines during their rehab process.

The players are used to being on opposite sidelines, with Ford and Wiebe playing against each other in U Sports.

“We jab at each other all the time,” Wiebe joked. “The one thing I will say is I never lost to the Rams, and I let him know that every day.”

Notes: Wide receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby comes into the lineup for Dohnte Meyers (shoulder). Meyers, centre Peter Godber (ankle), linebacker Melique Straker (hip) and guard Zack Fry (elbow) were all added to the six-game injured list.

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