A quick glance at the final injury report for the Saskatchewan Roughriders regular season finale might make one think someone set off a grenade in the locker room, but odds are pretty high many of the veterans sitting out will be doing so for maintenance reasons.
And as a result, plenty of up-and-comers will get their shot against the Edmonton Elks on Saturday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium.
The report revealed that no less than 10 players will be sidelined for Week 21, though a good portion of those have been on the six-game injured list for much of the recent campaign.
The biggest name, of course, is quarterback and team MOP Trevor Harris, who will be a healthy scratch in favour of Jack Coan, who will be making his first career CFL start. The Riders will also be without running back A.J. Ouellette (neck) and receiver KeeSean Johnson (ankle) as well as offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick (knee), all key starters in their positions.
The defence takes a hit with Damarcus Fields sitting out with a hamstring ailment.
Players with long-term injuries who have been out for some time include defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore (knee), receiver James Letcher Jr. (shoulder), defensive lineman Aaron Patrick (knee) and fullback Morgan Runge (pec).
Fullback Albert Awachie remains out with a knee injury suffered in practice two weeks ago.
Offensive lineman Daniel Johnson will be a game-time decision as he battles a back ailment.
The news isn’t all bad on the injury front, though, as Seyi Oladipo Jr. makes his return after not playing since the Labour Day Rematch back in mid-September due to an ankle injury.
The Rider Broadcast Network will have all the action Saturday beginning with the pregame show at 11 a.m. followed by Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder with the game call at kick-off at 2 p.m.
