Riders’ starters, depth get set for showdown against Lions

Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. knows he needs to be ready for when his number is called.

He came in for the relief of Jameer Thurman in the team’s 17-16 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last week. With the Riders already locked into first place in the CFL West Division and hosting the West Final on Nov. 8, the CFL club is expected to rotate their roster once again this week.

While a number of starters are expected to dress this week, how long they will play will still need to be seen.

“We’ve got to rest our guys. We want guys to come into the playoffs and destroy things. Better yet, though, it is good to have guys know what they are doing and doing their jobs because you never know that it could be next man up any time and day of the season,” Miller said.

Despite the Bombers playing most of their starters last week, the Riders’ defence was able to hold them to just a single touchdown in the game.

“We have great leaders and guys who hold each other accountable. Guys who make sure the next guy knows their job and assignment and responsibility. The whole environment is well-oriented. Everyone is locked in and focused,” Miller said.

While the depth will need to ensure they are ready, the game also allows the starters to get some valuable reps in ahead of the team’s bye week during the CFL semi-final weekend.

“We have to be able to get chemistry,” centre Logan Ferland said, who was one of the starters given some rest in the last game. “We don’t want to just sit all our guys and then the first time we are out there, it’s a playoff game. We want to get that chemistry back and really build that for us.”

Head coach Corey Mace also stressed the importance of making sure starters get some time in the game.

“We know we’re going to be going into a bye week. It’s a plus to have time to recuperate, but a delicate balance of staying in touch with the game at such a crucial time. It is excellent that we do have another game here to play versus a really good opponent who has a ton to play for as well,” Mace said. “We have to be on it.”

One starter who won’t be playing this week is kicker Brett Lauther. He has been ruled out with a back injury. Kicker Michael Hughes, who was signed in early October, will make his first career start.

Safety Nelson Lokombo, who has been out with an ankle injury since Aug. 23, is expected to return to the lineup.