The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be without their best defensive player on Friday, as halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. has stepped away from the team for personal reasons.
On Tuesday, Milligan and his wife welcomed a baby girl, Suni Rebecca. He has not practiced since the delivery and will sit out this week’s game.
In 13 games this season, the 30-year-old has established himself as a legitimate M.O.P. candidate, collecting 62 defensive tackles, 18 special teams tackles, and six interceptions. He will be replaced at boundary halfback by Amari Henderson, who has 17 defensive tackles and a forced fumble in four appearances this season.
Also absent from the defensive side of the ball will be defensive end Malik Carney (ankle), as the team’s top pass rusher has been placed on the six-game injured list. The 28-year-old has amassed 26 defensive tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 games this season. Global Habakkuk Baldonado will step in as the starter, with former Elk Eric Black dressing as insurance.
In addition to the changes on defence, Saskatchewan will have a new starting running back in Week 16. Ryquell Armstead, who was signed on Monday following an unceremonious departure from the Ottawa Redblacks, will step into to lineup, with Frankie Hickson becoming a healthy scratch.
Armstead has recorded 125 carries for 623 yards and three touchdowns and caught 35 passes for 284 yards in 11 games this year. In seven games, Hickson has posted 76 carries for 392 yards and one touchdown, while adding eight receptions for 80 yards through the air.
Rounding out the changes this week, Canadian linebackers Nick Wiebe (knee) and Justin Herdman-Reed (elbow) have both been moved to the six-game injured list, while American fullback Clint Ratkovich has been demoted to the practice roster. Canadian defensive backs Jayden Dalke and Kosi Onyeka, as well as American linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. all come onto the roster in depth roles.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-7-1) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (4-8-1) on Friday, September 20 at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
