Roughriders prepare for second pre-season game in Edmonton

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set for one final pre-season tune-up.

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After beating the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers 25-12 on Monday at Mosaic Stadium, the Roughriders are set to hit the road for their second pre-season game as they will visit the Edmonton Elks on Saturday (2 p.m., CKRM, CFL+).

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With a number of veteran players not making the trip, the door is open for rookies and other roster-bubble players to make an impact prior to the final cutdown day on June 1.

Following the game, the Riders will return to Regina for the final week of training camp before heading back to Edmonton on June 8 for their CFL regular season opener.

Roster notes

After playing most of their projected starters on Monday against Winnipeg, the Riders are leaving several veterans off the roster this week including quarterback Trevor Harris, running back A.J. Ouellette, receivers Shawn Bane Jr. and Kian Schaffer-Baker, defensive linemen Micah Johnson, Anthony Lanier II and Malik Carney, linebacker Jameer Thurman and defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr. and Amari Henderson.

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Quarterback questions

With Harris traveling to Edmonton but not dressing, the battle for No. 2 could be won or lost during Saturday’s game.

Mason Fine, Shea Patterson, Antonio Pipkin and Jack Coan are all expected to get playing time on Saturday as they look to claim the backup job before final roster cuts are made.

Fine, who won the job last year, was limited last week against Winnipeg, allowing Patterson to have the strongest performance in the opening game. He will need a similar outing this week to force the coaches to make a tough decision.

Receivers ready

With Bane Jr. and Schaffer-Baker not making the trip, the door is open for others to step up with increased playing time.

American KeeSean Johnson has been working with the starters during camp and a strong performance on Saturday could cement his spot in the starting lineup for Week 1. Fellow American Geronimo Allison, who was held without a catch on Monday, will also be looking for a solid outing as he looks to make the roster.

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And many are also wondering if 2024 seventh-round draft pick Ajou Ajou can put together an encore performance after scoring a highlight-reel touchdown in the pre-season opener.

Tackle time

American rookie Trevor Reid is certainly the favourite to be the starting left tackle in Week 1 but he will need another impressive outing this week if he wants to cement his job. It’s also expected fellow Americans Jordan Tucker and Jacob Brammer will get a look at the spot this week and either force a tough decision for the coaches or at least earn a backup spot.

Defensive depth

With several defensive leaders not making the trip, there’s opportunity for depth players to prove they should be on the team including linebacker Zakoby McClain, who is starting at middle linebacker on Saturday after notching an interception on Monday.

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Strongside linebacker C.J. Reavis is also dressing this game after sitting out on Monday, while T.J. Brunson will also draw into the lineup.

After dressing 15 defensive lineman on Monday, 10 will make the trip to Edmonton which will mean more playing time for those that suit up.

A look at the opponent

As for the Elks, with it being their first pre-season game, head coach Chris Jones told the media this week that they plan on playing most of their starters for a portion of the game including quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, running back Kevin Brown and receiver Eugene Lewis.

How to watch

With TSN not broadcasting the game, if you can’t make it to Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, you can watch the game on the CFL’s website through the CFL+ streaming service.

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Alternatively, you can head down to Mosaic Stadium in Regina as the Roughriders are hosting a pre-season watch party with the game being streamed on the SaskTel Maxtron.

Prior to kickoff, the Roughriders will also be hosting family-friendly activities with inflatables, games and a face-painting booth.

When the gates open at 1 p.m., food and drink options will be available on the concourse. Fans are asked to enter through Gate 1 at the southeast corner of the stadium.

The event is free of charge.

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