Roughriders place Rolan Milligan, A.J. Ouellette on six-game injured list

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be without two key players for an extended stretch.

The team announced Friday that defensive back Rolan Milligan and running back A.J. Ouellette have been placed on the six-game injured list.

Ouellette was injured in the third quarter of the team’s 36-34 loss to the Edmonton Elks last week. Milligan left Wednesday’s practice early with a knee injury.

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Meanwhile, after logging a full practice Thursday, the team has listed wide receiver Sam Emilus (foot) as a game-time decision.

Jonathan Edouard will make his third start at halfback. While he leads the way with three starts at the position, there have been three other players who have started there this season for the team — Milligan, Nelson Lokombo (who is on the one-game injured list with an ankle injury) and Juju Hughes. Hughes is out long term with an ankle injury.

Running back Quali Conley will start in place of Ouellette. Conley has started two games for the Riders this season, recording 107 yards and a touchdown over those contests.

“I feel like the first time was to get the jitters out and actually play in a CFL game and how different it is from the states and be more confident of my playing style,” Conley said. “I just have to be more patient. I feel like my reads were everywhere and I wasn’t locked in. Just be more locked in, more focused and more patient.”

Quarterback Trevor Harris said Conley is one of those players who is always watching and asking questions.

“A tremendous football mind and very athletic. You can tell he’s kind of like a scatback and he fits this league really well. He has asked A.J. a lot of questions and any time you get to watch A.J. Ouellette and watch how he operates, you’re going to get better through osmosis and just watching him,” Harris said.

Conley agreed he has learned a lot from the veteran rusher.

“He’s a great back,” Conley said. “He does everything right and is very patient. Just him coaching me on the sidelines is very helpful.”

One thing Conley will need to emulate is Ouellette’s pass protection. Ouellette is one of the CFL’s best pass-blocking running backs and is a major part of keeping Harris upright.

“Just take more time with pass blocking because no block, no rock,” Conley said. “This is a passing league so you have to be good (at pass-blocking) so you can be in there all three downs.

“My coach from college, Alonzo Carter, introduced (no block, no rock) to me. Basically, it means you won’t be in a lot if you can’t block because if you’re in, they will know you’re running the ball.”

Derick Roberson, who was signed last week after an All-UFL campaign at defensive end, will make his Riders debut this week.

Kickoff for the game against the Elks is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.