The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be a banged-up unit for their Banjo Bowl clash with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday, particularly along the offensive line.
Left guard Evan Johnson (foot) and right tackle Colin Kelly (knee) both suffered injuries in last week’s overtime win, with the latter moved to the six-game injured list. In his place will be rookie Brandon Council, who has made five starts at tackle already this season, while Logan Bandy will step in at guard. Zack Fry has been activated to serve as the sixth man up front.
Joining Kelly on the six-game injured list is safety Jayden Dalke (knee), who has notched 22 defensive tackles and an interception in 10 appearances this year. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Jaxon Ford, who batted down the deciding pass attempt last week, while C.J. Reavis returns to the lineup as secondary depth.
The Riders will also be without defensive end Pete Robertson, who is serving a one-game suspension for headbutting Bombers’ QB Zach Collaros. The 30-year-old pass rusher has amassed 32 tackles and five sacks this season and will be replaced by second-year man Cody Roscoe, who makes his first appearance of the season.
Backup running back Frankie Hickson is expected to miss this game with illness and fullback Albert Awachie will draw into the lineup.
The Riders (6-5) will visit the Bombers (9-3) on Saturday, September 9 at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Saskatchewan pulled off a 32-30 overtime upset of Winnipeg in the Labour Day Classic last week.
