2026 CFL return ‘gonna be tough’ for Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Rolan Milligan Jr.

Photo courtesy: Arthur Ward/CFL.

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach Corey Mace was asked on Tuesday if two-time CFL all-star defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 during the team’s 36-34 loss to the Edmonton Elks.

“Rolan is gonna be tough, I’ll say that. Don’t wanna eliminate anything, though,” Mace told the media.

Milligan Jr. was placed on the six-game injured list leading into Saskatchewan’s 28-26 Week 9 win at Commonwealth Stadium. The 2024 Most Outstanding Defensive Player has appeared in two games during the 2026 regular season and been forced to exit both times. He has recorded two defensive tackles.

National cover man Jonathan Edouard was signed on June 17 and he’s played boundary halfback for the Riders when Milligan Jr. has missed time. The Carleton University product has suited up in six games in 2026 and recorded 10 defensive tackles, plus seven special teams stops.

“Whoever is available for us, go out there and play, I thought last game was proof of that. Guys were called upon, some guys hadn’t played a game in the CFL, some guys had minimal snaps, but we found a way to come out with a win on the road versus a really good football team,” Mace said.

“It speaks to the culture we have around here and the expectations. We’re not making exceptions or excuses for anybody — we have a standard that we gotta meet.”

The 31-year-old Milligan Jr. has registered 218 defensive tackles, 35 special teams tackles, 14 interceptions, two sacks, one forced fumble, and scored one defensive touchdown in 55 career regular-season CFL games with the Roughriders.

Meanwhile, Canadian all-star cornerback Tevaughn Campbell missed practice on Tuesday with a forearm injury. He was seen on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during Saskatchewan’s 28-26 victory in Week 9. Veteran national Nelson Lokombo practiced in his spot.

Star receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker (knee) and Samuel Emilus (foot) did not practice on Tuesday at Mosaic Stadium.

The Riders (5-2) host Ottawa (0-7) on Friday, August 7 with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. EDT. The Redblacks are coming off a 34-13 loss to Montreal.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 620 CKRM in Regina or TSN 1200 in Ottawa.