The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be without starting halfback Rolan Milligan for the long haul, after placing him on the six-game injured list ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Calgary Stampeders.
Milligan was unable to practice at all this week with back and foot injuries. In four games this season, he has collected 17 tackles and two interceptions.
The 28-year-old first joined the Riders in 2021, playing just a single game. He was sensational in his second season in 2022, recording 71 defensive tackles and an interception.
Milligan will be replaced in the starting lineup by Jeremy Clark, who has recorded two tackles in two games this season. The third-year defender has 41 career tackles and an interception in 24 CFL games.
Also absent from the lineup will be star pass rusher Anthony Lanier (foot), who was placed on the one-game injured list. The 30-year-old has three tackles and a sack in four games this season but is currently the highest-graded defensive lineman in the CFL according to Pro Football Focus, building off a 2022 campaign that saw him record eight sacks in 11 games.
Defensive tackle DeMarcus Christmas draws back into the lineup to provide depth, while Bryan Cox Jr. will take over as the starting defensive end. Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka (leg) is on the one-game and Global linebacker Lukas Ruoss has taken his spot in the lineup.
Offensively, left tackle Brandon Council (finger) has been ruled out for this week and will be replaced by journeyman Eric Lofton. Backup running back Frankie Hickson (back) has been listed as a game-time decision.
The Riders (3-1) will host the Stampeders (1-3) on Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point favourites.
