Riders defensive backfield expected to look different against Argos

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have had their depth tested throughout much of the season.

This week, against the Toronto Argonauts, the Riders could be starting three players who weren’t on this team’s roster to start the season.

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With injuries to Rolan Milligan Jr. (knee/foot), Marcus Sayles (knee), and Tevaughn Campbell (head) all not participating or limited at practice, a different trio has needed to be out there — Benny Sapp, Sheldrick Redwine and Nafees Lyon. Defensive back Kerfalla Exume, who has been with the team all season and made one start this year, has also been taking reps with the starters.

Lyon’s signing with the team came on Monday. He is a four-season CFL veteran with time split between the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes, winning a Grey Cup with the latter in 2023. He has five interceptions in his career.

“I thought the CFL forgot about me. You just have to stay ready and you never know when you’ll get that call. Once it came, I was ready to go,” Lyon said. “My agent told me Sask. was interested so I was like, “I’m still willing to play and I feel good and healthy. Just let me know when to come up,’ and they told me the next day so I packed my bags and was on my way.”

Redwine was signed by the team on Sept. 14 and made his debut last week in the 20-13 win over the Ottawa Redblacks. He had to come into the game as Milligan suffered an injury.

“It’s a learning curve but over time and through reps, it slows down a little bit so I am getting used to it,” Redwine said. “I’m a football player so my goal is that it doesn’t matter if it’s my first game or my 100th game. When I get out there, I expect to produce and help the team get a win.”

Benny Sapp has been with the team since Aug. 19 and has started three games for the Riders so far. While he hasn’t recorded an interception this season, he has recorded 13 tackles.

Another move the Riders could make this week is at the kicking spot as the status of Brett Lauther (back) remains up in the air. While Campbell Fair didn’t attempt a field goal, he missed both convert kick attempts.

Saskatchewan signed American kicker Michael Hughes. Hughes kicked at Appalachian State, where he hit on 83.3 per cent of his attempts.

“Just another guy to get in. We went with Campbell last week and it could be any one of the three this week just depending on the decision we make. We have to find a solution so just having someone else in the room,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said.

The Riders host the Argos on Friday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.

If Saskatchewan wins, it will clinch first place in the CFL West Division.