Football Weekend in Saskatchewan begins with an important contest in the CFL’s Western Division as the Saskatchewan Roughriders host the Edmonton Elk.
The green and white are 6-7 and have lost their last four games at Mosaic Stadium.
Edmonton would be eliminated from playoff contention if they were defeated by the Riders tonight.
Saskatchewan’s roster will largely remain unchanged from last week, only a couple of changes this week. Mitch Picton replaces Jake Harty and Jordan Beaulieu is in the lineup for Nelson Lokombo.
Once again the Riders will be without guard Logan Ferland, defensive tackle Anthony Lanier and receiver Duke Williams.
Tonight’s matchup will be the third time this season Saskatchewan will meet Edmonton, with the Riders already clinching the season series victory between the two clubs with wins back in July and August at Commonwealth Stadium.
Riders QB Cody Fajardo will play his first game as a dad tonight. Early Wednesday morning, Fajardo’s wife Laura delivered the family’s first child Luca. The Riders QB left practice on Tuesday, was absent on Wednesday but returned in time for Thursday’s walkthru. Fajardo appreciated the support from Rider nation.
“A lot of incredible texts, tweets, social media, this province really showed that they were behind Laura and I.”
With Fajardo pledging to be present for the birth of his child, he was relieved the timing worked out that he didn’t have to miss a game.
After tonight’s game, the Riders have a bye week and are off until Friday, September 30 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Fajardo is hopeful that when he returns to practice following the bye week, that he can go without a knee brace.
“Hopefully feel like myself for the stretch drive, it’s getting down to the nitty gritty, we’re going to have to win some football games just to punch our ticket to the playoffs.”
Today’s gameday coverage on 620 CKRM begins with Countdown to Kickoff at 4:30, opening kickoff at 7:30.
Tomorrow’s Football Weekend in Saskatchewan can also be heard on 620 CKRM.
The Regina Thunder and Saskatoon Hilltops begins with the pregame show at 12:45.
The University of Regina Rams against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies starts with the pregame show at 6:45.
