After being acquired one week ago from Ottawa, kicker Brett Lauther is ready to make his first start for the Roughriders this season. “I’m feeling really good,” the kicker told reporters after practice Thursday. “These guys are great; everyone over here has been really good and it’s good to get back in the swing of things out here today. I’m just very thankful.” The last time Lauther suited up in Green and White was the 2025 Grey Cup in Winnipeg – where he would finish the day by lifting the CFL’s championship trophy above his head. On Monday, he’ll match up against the same Alouettes he saw that November day and in the familiar number ‘12’ he donned for eight seasons. Until Lauther’s arrival, defensive back Malcolm Bell had been wearing that number. The veteran kicker says he made a fair trade with the rookie to get the number back. “I’ll probably keep the transaction just between us, but very thankful for him that we got it worked out,” Lauther said. “But he was pretty excited to get a single digit.” Bell has since switched his number to ‘4’. Throughout this week, Lauther has been reacquainting himself in Saskatchewan. “Everything’s the same, but everything’s new, if that makes sense,” he described. “A tiny adjustment, but this organization is great, everyone here is first class.” That has also meant getting used to a new snapper and holder. “I’m just trying to fit in as much as I can,” Lauther added. “But everyone’s been super accommodating, I’m not too picky. It doesn’t matter really what the whole snap and hold situation is, I just try to make the kick every time. Everything can’t be perfect; I’m trying my best to be perfect.” Saskatchewan’s kicking woes this season have been no secret. After releasing Lauther in the offseason, the Riders began 2026 with rookie Alex Hale conducting kicking duties. In 12 games, Hale was 24-for-32 (75 per cent). Saskatchewan then signed another rookie kicker, Dawson Hodge, who played three games. The former Laurier Golden Hawk was seven-for-nine (77.8 per cent) in those three appearances. Combined, Saskatchewan is 31-for-41 this season. However, from 40-or-more yards, they were just seven-for-16. Lauther, in 12 games with the Redblacks, is 32-for-34. His 94 per cent accuracy rate is third best in the CFL this season. While both his misses are from 40-plus, Lauther is still nine-for-11 and three-for-three from 50-plus. Riders head coach Corey Mace says the veteran’s big-game experience was a large part of the reason for bringing Lauther back. “If he goes out there and does what you supposed to do, I think everybody would feel confident in that,” Mace told reporters Friday. “But it starts with him going out there and taking advantage [of] opportunities when he is called upon.” A big boost for a special teams unit in dire need of consistency as the Riders eye a playoff run. “Whatever I can do to help, whether that’s kicking or stuff behind the scenes, that’s all I’m trying to do,” Lauther said. Saskatchewan takes on Montreal Thanksgiving Monday. Kickoff from Percival Molson Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sask. time on TSN.
