The Saskatchewan Roughriders were expected to make a handful of changes to their lineup heading into their Week 13 contest against the Toronto Argonauts, and that’s exactly how things have turned out.
Wide receiver Shemar Bridges will make his Roughriders debut only a few days after signing with the team. He takes over for Sam Emilus, who has returned to the six-game list with a leg injury, while Dylan Djete moves from starting at wide receiver to a back-up spot.
Slotback and Regina product D’Sean Mimbs makes his return to the lineup, starting in place of Johnny Johnson III as he moves to the one-game injured with a concussion.
Things have turned into a bit of a carousel on offence as of late for the Riders as injuries see players dropping in and out of the lineup, but coach Corey Mace doesn’t feel that’s an issue with the team’s current struggles.
“I think sometimes it just comes down to being locked in and focused from right before the ball is snapped to the whistle is blown,” he said after a recent practice, adding that he’s been part of teams where there have been tough spells and things have turned out fine.
“Usually those things roll back to trust and the work that these guys put in. You never get too worried about it, you just want to make sure that we fix it.”
The defence saw the majority of changes this week, beginning with Nelson Lokombo moving back to safety in place of Jaxon Ford, who has an ankle ailment and moves to the one-game injured.
James Burgess Jr. makes his first start of the season in Lokomobo’s old position at cornerback.
Seyi Oladipo Jr. comes off the practice roster and starts at strong-side linebacker in place of Antoine Brooks Jr., who moves to the reserve roster. Defensive ends Liam Hoskins and Devin Adams switch roster spots, with Hoskins coming off and Adams moving to the practice roster.
The Riders Broadcast Network will have the pregame show beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder bringing you the game call from Mosaic Stadium at 5 p.m.
