The Saskatchewan Roughriders are finally starting to receive reinforcements as players come off the injured list, including a handful of key contributors to their early-season success.
The depth chart for Week 17 confirmed that running back A.J. Ouellette, receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker and fullback Albert Awachie will all be making their return against the B.C. Lions on Friday night in Vancouver.
Ouellette was close to returning heading into the bye after the Labour Day Classic rematch and has been going full steam in practice this week, making his return all but academic. Ouellette had been out of the lineup since Week 8 against the Edmonton Elks when he suffered a knee injury that put him on the six-game list.
“We have a good schedule to wrap up the season. They’re all important games,” Ouellette said at practice earlier this week. “We have to play our best ball and, of course, the team playing their best ball at the end of the season going into the playoffs has the best chance ot taking it all.”
It was a similar situation for both Schaffer-Baker and Awachie, both of whom saw a bit of practice action in the lead-up Saskatchewan's previous game but were given a bit more time to heal. Schaffer-Baker and Awachie have out since Week 9 with a knee and ankle injuries, respectively.
All three players will start at their respective positions, with Schaffer-Baker back in his familiar position at weak-side slotback.
Also returning to the lineup is Antoine Brooks Jr., who will get the start at strong-side linebacker after sitting out since Week 12 with a wrist injury. Defensive lineman Devin Adams returns as a backup at defensive tackle.
The news wasn’t so good for linebacker Seyi Oladipo. The player of the game from the team’s last outing has been moved to the one-game injured list with an ailing ankle. It’s the same for running back Quali Conley, who’s out with a wrist injury. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon slots in as Ouellette’s backup as a result.
Offensive lineman Erik Andersen and defensive lineman Liam Hoskins both move to the practice roster, and receiver Shemar Bridges goes to the reserve roster.
The Rider Broadcast Network will have all the action on Friday night beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the pregame show. Teagan Witko and Wes Cates will have plenty of special guests, after which Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder will have the game call at kickoff at 8:30 p.m.
