Riders could see handful of players return from injury prior to next game

Going into the final stretch of the regular season, the Roughriders may be getting some reinforcements. Jacob Carr reports.

The Roughriders have been hit hard by the injury bug in the defensive secondary over the last few weeks.

Marcus Sayles, Tevaughn Campbell, Nelson Lokombo, and Jaxon Ford were all shelved with injuries in the team’s 48 to 31 loss to Montreal before the bye week.

At least one of the walking wounded looks to be on track to be back in the lineup this week.

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Sayles has a been a full go at both practices. He told CTV News that being on the sidelines during the loss was painful.

“It hurt me, I’m one of those guys that loves being on the field, I love playing with these guys and hopefully when I’m on the field I can help as much as possible. But we got guys that can make plays as well, unfortunately they got the better hand that week.”

Offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon is a full participant for the first time this season, after tearing his bicep in training camp.

Signed by the Riders in the offseason, Gagnon aggressively attacked his rehabilitation and stayed in Regina and around the team while doing so.

“To me it just signals that this isn’t done, this isn’t over. I’m committed to this that’s why I came here, it’s why I showed up to camp was to see this through so it just felt symbolic for me to stay here the whole time.”

The pass catches could also be receiving some reinforcements.

Kian Schaffer-Baker suffered a foot injury in the first game of the regular season – but is back to practice.

Sam Emilus has also been taking reps but is unsure if he will be back in the lineup this Saturday in Edmonton.

Head coach Corey Mace was also non-committal on Emilus’ status.

“We’ll see, we’re out there still ripping around so we’ll see towards the end of the week. It’s awesome to see one-nine out there being able to move around a little bit. But as always we’ll make sure we make the right decision for us,” he said.

Saskatchewan has just five regular season games remaining, and currently sit atop the West Division, four points clear of the Calgary Stampeders.