The Saskatchewan Roughriders could receive a significant boost to their receiving corps for Friday night's game against the Ottawa Redblacks.
After entering the week with questions surrounding the health of several receivers, the Roughriders listed star receiver Samuel Emilus as questionable, while fellow starter Kian Schaffer-Baker has been upgraded to available on the club's final injury report.
Head coach Corey Mace said the team is still working through exactly how its receiving group will look by kickoff.
"Ultimate faith in anybody that we end up getting out there. I can't say that I know much different than you at this moment. It is good that we've got another day to figure that out. Whoever we end up getting out there, we have full trust in."
Emilus did not practice on Monday due to an ankle injury, then progressed from limited participation on Tuesday to a full practice on Wednesday. Schaffer-Baker followed a similar path after missing Monday's practice with an oblique injury, returning on a limited basis Tuesday before practicing fully on Wednesday.
Their availability would be welcome news for a Saskatchewan offence that has already been hit hard by injuries at receiver.
Receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby has been cleared to play after missing last week’s game against Toronto and Monday's practice with a shoulder injury. Duncan-Busby was a full participant in the final two days of practice and is listed as available.
The Roughriders will still be without three receivers. James Letcher Jr. (elbow), Jaylen Johnson (shoulder) and Dylan Djete (quadriceps) have all been ruled out.
In the backfield, starting running back A. J. Ouellette remains questionable after being limited throughout the week with an ankle injury, having missed last week’s contest with the same injury.
The defence could also receive reinforcements as defensive back Nelson Lokombo is available after recovering from an ankle injury. Lokombo was limited in practice Monday and Tuesday before returning as a full participant Wednesday.
The Roughriders will be without linebacker Jayden Dalke (hand), defensive linemen Benoit Marion (shoulder) and Ali Saad (calf), along with linebacker Ryder Varga (knee).
Whether Emilus ultimately suits up remains one of Saskatchewan's biggest questions heading into Friday night. Still, the final injury report leaves open the possibility that both he and Schaffer-Baker could be in uniform as the Roughriders look to strengthen an offence that injuries have tested through the opening month of the season.
The Riders take on the Redblacks on Friday on the 620 CKRM Cooperators Rider Broadcast Network.
