Saskatchewan Roughrider star receiver Duke Williams sat out a second straight practice today (Thursday), with an ankle injury.

The injury has called into question whether Williams will be able to suit up against his former CFL team when the Riders take on the Elks in Edmonton Saturday night.

Riders head coach Craig Dickenson isn’t overly concerned about Williams’ ability to answer the bell. “Right now, it’s about 50/50 whether Duke will play,” Dickenson said. “He’ll get some treatment tonight and see how it feels in the morning. If he feels that he can go, we’ll dress him. If he thinks he can’t, we won’t. If he can’t go, we have other options for that spot, including Mitch Picton and Samuel Emilus.”

Still, Dickenson is well aware of his veteran receiver’s ability to be a difference-maker in a key divisional matchup.

“We always need Duke. Can we win without him? Yes. But if we have him, it definitely increases our chances.”

Williams hauled in five passes for 58 yards in the season-opening 30-13 win over Hamilton.

The Riders and Elks kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 620 CKRM’s coverage begins with the pre-game show at 4:30.