Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive lineman Logan Ferland has been ejected from their season opener after punching a member of the Edmonton Elks.
The 27-year-old native of Melfort, Sask. got into it with strong-side linebacker Leon O’Neal Jr. following a one-yard completion to Kian Schaffer-Baker with just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter. He delivered an open-handed punch to the defender’s helmet, drawing a 25-yard penalty and a rough play disqualification.
The lapse in judgment drew the ire of head coach Corey Mace on the sideline and had an immediate effect on the game, moving Saskatchewan out of field goal range. Ferland’s replacement at right guard, Ryan Sceviour, surrendered a sack on a bull rush from Robert Nkemdiche on the very next series.
Ferland joined the Riders in 2019 as a territorial exemption following an outstanding junior stint with the Regina Thunder. He has started all 49 games he has appeared in since 2021.
The Riders trail the Elks at halftime by a score of 11-7.