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The Saskatchewan Roughriders are finally able to try to build off of a win instead of searching for one.
Saskatchewan will take on the Ottawa Redblacks today coming off of the Riders’ first win since July 19. Last week, the Riders defeated the Calgary Stampeders 37-29 to end a seven-game winless slide. Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m. and it will be broadcast on CTV.
But while it was good to finally get a win, quarterback Trevor Harris believes this team knows one win doesn’t mean much.
“We’re in third place in the West (division). We’re (6-7-1) and we won one game — it doesn’t mean anything,” Harris said. “I don’t think contentment is anything you think or feel if you’re around the building this week … I think there’s a looseness and excitement to play for the guys.”
Ottawa (8-5-1) can clinch a playoff spot with a win. While the Redblacks have lost two in a row, the CFL East Division team has had success against the West, going 6-2-1.
Saskatchewan’s last win improved the team’s record to 6-7-1 and helped put some space between the Riders and Edmonton Elks in a heated playoff race in the CFL West Division. Ottawa and Saskatchewan battled to a tie in their last meeting.
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While Harris will lead the Riders into the game for a ninth time this season, only missing six games due to a knee injury, the Redblacks will have quarterback Jeremiah Masoli under centre. Masoli has battled injuries over the past couple of seasons and will start just his second game this season and seventh since the opening week of 2022. Ottawa starter Dru Brown is dealing with an injury that is keeping him out this week.
“I have nothing but respect for Jeremiah — he has been an incredible quarterback in his career here in this league,” head coach Corey Mace said.
“He’s seen a lot from the pocket in his time and he is comfortable with the play-caller in Tommy (Condell). We just have to make it tough on him … We have to keep him guessing a little bit. I’m sure there are going to be plays out there that he is going to execute but we have to make sure we get one or two more.”
Masoli has two targets to throw to who are among the CFL’s best in recent weeks. Over the past four weeks, Ottawa receiver Dominique Rhymes leads the CFL with 372 yards. Redblacks receiver Justin Hardy is third in yardage over that same span with 326 yards.
One of the big storylines heading into the week involves Riders running back Ryquell Armstead facing off against his former team. Armstead played 11 games for Ottawa before he was released by the team on Sept. 3.
Armstead signed with Saskatchewan last week and on one week of practice, ended up starting for the Riders. He rushed for 207 yards — the most rushing yards by a Rider in a debut — and helped propel the team to the victory.
But while his time in Ottawa came to an end this season, Armstead claims he isn’t holding any grudges.
“I don’t look for the bad and I don’t hold grudges, especially in this sport. You have to have a strong mentality and mindset,” Armstead said. “Just keep going and look for the next opportunity.”
Mace said Armstead isn’t making the game about himself.
“He’s already bought in to the team atmosphere,” Mace said. “But to say it might not be in the back of his head — he may have given you a coaching answer, which is good. I know he wants to help this team win and that’s at the forefront of his mind, which is really good.”
The Redblacks have been stout against the run this season, only giving up 91.1 yards per game — third-fewest in the CFL.
The Riders could be getting back a member of their offensive line with Jacob Brammer a game-time decision. The 25-year-old started two games at right tackle before suffering a knee injury in practice in July. If Brammer plays, he will play right guard due to Trevon Tate starting at the tackle spot now.
“I haven’t played guard in a game. I have practised it in college and here but just haven’t had the game reps,” Brammer said.
On offence, the Riders will be without rookie Ajou Ajou after he suffered a knee injury. Fellow rookie wide receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby will make his first CFL start in his absence.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Riders won’t have SAM linebacker C.J. Reavis after he was added to the six-game injured list with a knee injury. DaMarcus Fields will start in his place.
The team does get back some big contributors on defence in defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. and defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II.
Milligan Jr. missed last week’s game due to being at home for the birth of his fourth child. He is tied for the CFL lead with six interceptions.
Lanier II hasn’t played since July. He has two sacks in seven games this season.
“It’s going to be amazing to be able to stretch those legs again and get back out on the hunt,” Lanier II said.
Saturday’s game is the kisiskâciwan game. The Riders will wear an Indigenous-designed logo designed by Chris Chipak of Red Pheasant Cree Nation (Treaty 6).
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