‘Three-headed monster’: Emilus, Johnson back as Riders take on Alouettes

All three of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ top receivers are on the roster this week.

For the first time since July 23, the Riders will have Kian Schaffer-Baker, Sam Emilus and KeeSean Johnson in the lineup at the same time.

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So far this season, Schaffer-Baker has 961 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games, Emilus has 514 yards and five touchdowns in seven games, and Johnson recorded 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games.

“It’s the three-headed monster right there. Just having all the guys out there – Sam and KeeSean – it just feels right. We get out there, and everything is moving faster, and we are able to communicate a lot better. Just having those guys beside me makes the job a lot easier. I’m excited to have all three of those guys out there,” Schaffer-Baker said.

Emilus last played in Week 12 against the B.C. Lions, and has been dealing with a lower-leg injury.

“Being out for a couple months, it always feels good to be back with the boys and be outside running and getting back on the field,” Emilus said.

“I think there are a lot of people excited to see me back on the field, and I am excited to be back on the field also. That’s my passion. I love playing football, so being back and being on the field and making some plays could bring a spark back to the team.”

Johnson missed last week’s game due to an ankle injury he suffered in the team’s loss to the Calgary Stampeders.

Quarterback Trevor Harris said he’s glad to have the three receiving weapons back in the team’s arsenal.

“The fact that we have these guys back is big time. We can move them around on the checkerboard and let them kind of do their thing. It makes our offence more versatile and helps our run game, because they are very good run blockers as well,” Harris said.

“There’s a reason your starting offence is your starting offence. Our guys have done a good job filling in this year for these guys, but they are highly paid for a reason, so we look forward to having them all out there at the same time.”

The reunited receiving corps comes at a good time for the Riders, as they look to end a four-game slide and clinch a playoff spot. A win this week, paired with either a Winnipeg Blue Bombers or Calgary Stampeders loss, will send Saskatchewan back to the postseason.

Saskatchewan will face the Montreal Alouettes for a second straight week, after dropping the last meeting 44-24.

This week, Montreal is resting some key players, including Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead, while quarterback Davis Alexander is listed as the third-string quarterback for the contest.

Centre Logan Ferland is listed as a game-time decision for the Riders due to a knee injury. Offensive guard Thomas Perry is also expected to start a second straight CFL game.

Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 11 a.m.