The Green and White might be getting a big piece of their defensive puzzle back just in time for the biggest game of the year.
Reigning CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player Rolan Milligan Jr. looks poised to return to the Saskatchewan Roughriders lineup on Saturday when the Riders host the B.C. Lions in the West Final at Mosaic Stadium.
Milligan practiced for the second straight day Wednesday, a strong sign that his foot and knee injuries, sustained October 3 in Ottawa, are behind him.
“I feel good, the body’s feeling good, no concerns. Being able to take that time off once we clinched first, it was big for me both mentally and physically," he said.
The 31-year-old defensive back hasn’t suited up in over a month, but the extended break may prove to be a blessing in disguise. While the Riders have used that time to heal, they’ve also used it to prepare.
“Mentally, we got to look ahead and start planning. It gave us a chance to rest, get guys healthy, and get a jump on what B.C. likes to do.”
Head coach Corey Mace faces the type of problem every coach loves to have — too many healthy bodies. With a near full roster at practice this week, some tough game-day decisions are looming.
“It’s always hard to tell a guy he’s not going for a game like this, but the positive is we’ve got a lot of good options and guys who can help us win football games.”
If practice reps are any indication, the Riders’ secondary could be intact for the first time since Labour Day, a major boost for a unit that has weathered injuries all season.
“It’s good having your guys back,” Milligan said. “It gives us the best chance to win. It’s 1-0 or go home and we’re trying to make sure we go 1-0.”
Statistically, the Riders’ defence has been a bit of a mixed bag in 2025, ranked fourth in passing yards allowed (289.2 per game), but tied for second in interceptions (26) and second in sacks (26). Against a quarterback like Nathan Rourke, Milligan knows pressure will be key.
“You keep him uncomfortable, man. Nobody’s perfect. Throw different looks at him and don’t let him get into a rhythm.”
Milligan and the rest of the defence studied last week’s B.C.-Calgary West Semi-Final closely, noting how the Stampeders front managed to rattle Rourke early.
“Calgary did a good job keeping him contained, their D-line was getting in the backfield, and he couldn’t get comfortable. But you saw it, they still made plays late to win. It’s never over until it’s over.”
Still, Milligan respects the challenge Rourke presents, especially when he extends plays with his legs.
“He’s dangerous when he gets outside the pocket. He can run, he took off for a 70-yard touchdown this year. If we can keep him in the pocket and make him throw from there, it makes our job easier in the secondary. Then we can mix up our coverages and keep him guessing.”
Saturday’s West Final will mark 38 days since Milligan last played, but the Florida native shared that was always the target.
“I marked this one myself. It wasn’t guaranteed, it depended on how I recovered but I’m back and it feels great.”
As for the lineup, Mace wasn’t about to tip his hand.
“We’ll dress the group that gives us the best chance to win,” the head coach said. “It’s about how they’ve practiced, how they’ve prepared, and how they’ve handled the game plan. That’s what it comes down to.”
The Riders and Lions kick-off the West Final Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
