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Kian Schaffer-Baker has had to be patient this CFL season.
The slotback has been out since the first quarter of the team’s opening game against the Ottawa Redblacks back on June 6 with a foot injury.
Now, ahead of the Week 18 game against the Redblacks, Schaffer-Baker is back running with the first team. Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The Green Zone pregame show will begin at 3:30 p.m.
“A long process. A lot of hardships in it but a lot of beauty in it as well. It’s finding the blessing in the lesson each and every day and this process has taught me a lot,” the 27-year-old said. “When you love something so much, you’re willing to go to the end of the world for it. This is something I would do that for.”
Schaffer-Baker can be one of the most dynamic players on offence for the Riders when he has been on the field, but he has had trouble doing that. Back in 2022 — the last time the Mississauga, Ont., product played all 18 games — he had 960 yards and five touchdowns. Since then he has played in nine games in 2023 and 14 in 2024.
During Tuesday’s practice, Schaffer-Baker recorded a number of good catches, including one in the end zone that he made sure to celebrate.
“It’s just bringing that energy. I’m a big energy guy and I know other people feed off of that,” Schaffer-Baker said. “I know if I bring the energy, it might spark the guy beside me.”
Head coach Corey Mace wouldn’t confirm if Schaffer-Baker would be rejoining the active lineup or not this week.
“There’s potential there. Last week, it was good to see him get a little bit of work and he’s getting more work this week too,” Mace said.
His addition would provide a boost to the Riders’ receiver room that has managed to keep things steady as the group has dealt with injuries. Last week, both Sam Emilus and Shawn Bane Jr. returned to the lineup in the loss to the Edmonton Elks.
But with the injuries in the group, KeeSean Johnson and Dohnte Meyers have become a pair of the CFL’s best, while Tommy Nield has proven to be one of Harris’ most trusted targets.
KeeSean Johnson eclipsed the 1,000-yard (1,088) mark last week with Dohnte Meyers (898) set to do so. Meyers has seven touchdown catches this season, tied for the third most in the CFL.
Nield has also recorded four touchdown catches this season in just nine games played.
“The ceiling is untapped with this group,” Schaffer-Baker said. “We have so many great players all around, whether it’s O-line, special teams or the quarterback room. We have so much depth and that just pushes each guy every single day to just be his best self. When you step in this field, you know you have someone right behind you who is trying to take your spot. That just makes you the best version of yourself every single day.”
Riders release Kosi Onyeka
The Riders announced some roster moves on Tuesday, including the release of safety Kosi Onyeka.
Onyeka had appeared in seven games for the Riders this season, the past three as the team’s starting safety. He had 10 defensive tackles and 10 special-teams tackles.
“We have a code of conduct here and high standards on and off the field. Unfortunately, Kosi didn’t meet that,” Mace said.
The team also released linebacker Chris Russell Jr.
It added four players to the team’s expanded practice roster — running back Marcus Major Jr., linebacker Tuasivi Nomura, quarterback Brayden Schager and linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala.
