Riders put Sam Emilus on six-game injured list, Tommy Nield to start

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ receiver room will have its depth tested over the next few weeks.

Wide receiver Sam Emilus has been placed on the six-game injured list after suffering a knee injury in the team’s 21-18 win over the Edmonton Elks.

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“He’s the heartbeat of our team, especially in our room,” wide receiver Dohnte Meyers said about the loss of Emilus from the lineup.

“He’s a key piece of Riderville, the fanbase, the players – especially to me, because he’s one of my close friends. He means a lot to the team.”

In Emilus’ place this week will be Tommy Nield, who spent four years with the Toronto Argonauts before joining the Riders this offseason. He dealt with an injury early this season, but has dressed for the team’s last two games.

“Starting the season off with an injury and missing the first six games is never ideal, and it felt like forever, but getting back there on the field and getting to play football again, it’s always exciting,” Nield said.

Nield said he wanted to join the Riders because he believes Saskatchewan is the “ultimate CFL place.”

“In terms of facility, fan base and just the familiarity with coaches … I had known some guys here before, and in the offseason when I spoke to (head coach Corey) Mace, I said family was a big thing and you can really feel it (here). It’s a great locker room here. Everyone gets along and plays together, and it’s fun coming to work every day,” Nield said.

The Riders (6-1) will take on the Montreal Alouettes (5-2) at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m., and the Green Zone’s pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

“It means a lot, and I am excited for the opportunity,” Nield added.

“This is what you train for and practice for in the offseason is getting these opportunities to play offence and get on the field and showcase the work you put into your game, and just having fun out there.”

Emilus wasn’t the only player who was injured in the game against the Elks. Defensive end Lake Korte-Moore and Aubrey Miller Jr. also ended up on the six-game injured list due to knee injuries.

But there is some good news for the Riders’ offence ahead of the game against Montreal. Both Zack Fry, who suffered a head injury after being involved in a vehicle collision, and Payton Collins, who has been out since Week 1 with a knee injury, will be back along the offensive line this week.

Braydon Noll is the team’s sixth offensive lineman this week, with Noah Zerr being put back on the one-game injured list.