Riders and Alouettes meet for first time in 2026 in Thanksgiving clash

For the first time in the 2026 season, the two teams that met for last year’s Grey Cup will finally lock horns.

Back in November 2025 in Winnipeg, Saskatchewan defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 to claim the Grey Cup.

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Now at week 19 in the season, the Alouettes remain one of the top teams in the league and have already clinched first place in the CFL’s East Division.

Meanwhile, after a 6-2 start, Saskatchewan has stumbled as of late and are on a three-game slide as the Riders have yet to clinch a spot in the postseason at 8-7.

With the team looking to get things back on track, head coach Corey Mace is happy to get a chance to go up against one of the CFL’s top teams on Monday.

“You can’t ask for anything different. We have to find a way to play better football and to do it against an opponent who has been a winning organization for the last few years, that’s not a better challenge,” Mace said.

“I think for us, if we are able to go out there and do what we are supposed to do versus a really good football team, I think it’s perfect for us as we push forward through the rest of the season in trying to find again who we are.”

The Riders offence will need to find a way to put up points without one of it’s top weapons this season. Wide receiver KeeSean Johnson has been ruled out after leaving last week’s 37-31 loss to the Calgary Stampeders with an ankle injury. While Sam Emilus (foot) returned to practice this week, he is also still out.

Shemar Bridges, whom the Riders signed on Aug. 25, will start his third game of the season with Johnson out.

“I’ve been working hard and just trusting the process,” Bridges said.

“We have a great group here … it feels good and exciting to be back in the lineup. My part is to take advantage of the opportunity, make the most of it and get things back on track.”

Running back A.J. Ouellette will also look for some more yards in this one after being limited to just 28 yards on eight carries last week.

Ouellette said this team knows they have playmakers — someone just has to go out and do it.

“Be the person to make that play. We have to stop waiting around for someone to make the play. You be the person to make the play,” Ouellette said.

On defence, Saskatchewan will see defensive back Tevaughn Campbell return to the lineup after he has been out since Week 9 with a broken forearm.

Campbell and the rest of the Riders’ defence will look to stop an Alouettes offence that features to possible Most Outstanding Players in quarterback Davis Alexander and slotback Tyson Philpot.

Philpot leads the league in all three receiving categories — catches (119), yards (1,735) and touchdowns (12).

“They are doing good. You just have to limit the explosions. I know Philpot is a great deep threat. He has great ball judgment. He goes up and gets it. You just have to limit that,” Campbell said.

“Limit Davis’ pocket — don’t let him get out of the pocket and extend plays — I think you have a good chance and shot at shutting them down. Nonetheless, they are great players and great players make great plays regardless.”

The game will also be the first time kicker Brett Lauther will play for the Riders in 2026. Saskatchewan traded a fifth-round draft pick to Ottawa for the veteran.

Kickoff for the game is set for 11 a.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 9 a.m.