The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be without a couple of impact linebackers when they face the Calgary Stampeders on Friday.
Strongside linebacker Derrick Moncrief (shoulder/neck) and weakside linebacker T.J. Brunson (neck) have both been placed on the one-game injured list. The versatile Moncrief has collected 50 defensive tackles in 14 games this season — a relatively quiet season for the former all-star — while Brunson has notched 10 total tackles in just five games.
C.J. Reavis and Micah Teitz will step into the vacated roles that they regularly perform, as former Alabama linebacker Jaylen Moody makes his debut in a backup capacity.
Fortunately, the Riders’ defence will be boosted by the return of a couple of key pieces, including defensive back Trumaine Washington. The 28-year-old former CFL interception leader has six tackles in two games this season and will replace William Poole III at the field-side spot after his release.
Rotational defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas and defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. are also back from injury, returning Caleb Sanders to the practice roster.
The Riders (6-10) will visit the Stampeders (4-11) on Friday, October 13 at 9:30 p.m. EDT. Saskatchewan can clinch a playoff spot by breaking their five-game losing streak, while Calgary could secure the critical season series with a victory.
