Sam Emilus, Shawn Bane Jr. return to Riders lineup against Elks

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are getting back a few key players on their offence this week.

Slotback Sam Emilus and wide receiver Shawn Bane Jr. have been added to the team’s active depth chart for Saturday’s showdown against the Edmonton Elks. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

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Emilus has only appeared in four games this season but when he has played, he has been among the elite receivers in the CFL. He has 361 yards and two touchdowns in those games. The Montreal, Que. product has been out with a knee injury since July 26.

“I feel great. Ramped it up more this week and coming into the bye week. I feel great and feel good,” said Emilus, who spoke to media on Thursday ahead of the Riders releasing the depth chart on Friday. “I had to take my time. You never want to deal with an injury like this and let it linger for the rest of the season. I had to take my time. It was hard for me to not be on the field but I’m glad that it is time for me to hopefully be back soon.”

Bane Jr. will appear in his first CFL game action since suffering a serious knee injury on Sept. 28, 2024. He is listed as the backup to Ajou Ajou, but Bane Jr. brings kickoff and punt return capabilities to the lineup. He comes onto the roster for returner Mario Alford.

Both provide a jolt to a receiver room that has enjoyed a lot of success this season even as injuries have affected the group. Ajou recently rejoined the team after trying out for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts while KeeSean Johnson (969) and Dohnte Meyers (851) are both closing in on their first 1,000-yard receiving campaigns in the league.

Also making his season debut for the Riders will be free agent signing Philippe Gagnon, who has been out since training camp with a torn bicep. Defensive back Marcus Sayles also returns to the lineup.

All provide a boost to a Riders team that is 10-3 and looking to clinch a home playoff game and the top spot in the CFL West Division. While the Riders can’t win the division this weekend, they can clinch a home playoff game. If the B.C. Lions lose to the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night, Saskatchewan can secure a home playoff date with a win.

“Being first in the west was one of our goals at the beginning of the season but we haven’t done anything yet,” Emilus said. “That’s not our ultimate goal — our ultimate goal is the Grey Cup, of course. Being first is part of the process and we are happy with where we are at right now but this last five-game stretch, we have to keep going and get better every day.”