The Saskatchewan Roughriders are getting a few defensive reinforcements ahead of their clash with the B.C. Lions on Friday.
Canadian safety Jayden Dalke will return to the lineup after missing the past several weeks with a new injury. The sixth-round pick in the 2022 CFL Draft has already made a name for himself in his second season, starting 10 games and making 22 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.
With halfback Trumaine Washington (finger) ruled out this week, Derrick Moncrief will drop back in the secondary and C.J. Reavis will start at strong-side linebacker. The team will get some needed depth from the return of Kosi Onyeka, who has been exceptional on special teams with 15 tackles this season.
Hard-hitting linebacker T.J. Brunson will also push through an ankle injury to make his return. The former seventh-round NFL draft pick has made four tackles and a force fumble in three appearances.
Making his CFL debut in Vancouver is Global defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado. The native of Rome, Italy played 40 games over five seasons for the University of Pittsburgh, recording 99 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, two pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one blocked punt.
In corresponding moves, Canadian linebacker Matt Dean and fullback Bruno Labelle have been moved to the practice roster. Receiver Juwan Brescacin will be a healthy scratch.
The Riders (6-8) will visit the Lions (10-4) on Friday, September 29 at 10:30 p.m. EDT. The two teams have split the season series, with Saskatchewan most recently pulling off an upset victory in Week 11.
