Riders fighting through injuries, visit desperate Elks

Field Level Media|published: Fri 4th October, 19:57 2024

Jun 16, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Saskatchewan Rough Riders wide receiver Jerreth Sterns (83) carries the ball in the first quarter as Hamilton Tiger Cats defensive back Destin Talbert (26) defends at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be out to win their third consecutive game and move closer to a playoff spot when they visit the Edmonton Elks on Saturday night.

Saskatchewan (7-7-1) is coming off wins over the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Redblacks. The Elks (5-10) have dropped two in a row, both to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers -- including a 55-27 rout on Sept. 27.

Edmonton must win its final three regular-season games to have a chance at the playoffs.

Saskatchewan is dealing with key absences. Running back Ryquell Armstead (shoulder) is out. His place will be taken by Frankie Hickson, who has 76 carries for 392 yards this season but did not play the past two games.

"I think anybody on the field would say we're just waiting for an opportunity," Hickson said. "I think we're just a whole bunch of hungry guys who are just waiting for their opportunity to shine and ultimately, that means some people are going to get left out sometimes."

Receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (knee) is also out, giving a start to slotback Jerreth Sterns, who has not played for six games.

"We'll miss Shawn Bane," quarterback Trevor Harris said. "But we know Jerreth provides a different skillset; a different type of receiver at that position. I have full faith in the guys out there. If our coaches have put the guys out there, that means they're capable of doing it and they're going to get the football."

Roughriders defensive back Deontai Williams was suspended by the league for one game for an illegal tackle and striking an Ottawa player on Sept. 28.

The Elks have not made the playoffs since 2019.

"We've got a three-game regular season right now, that's the way we're approaching it," coach Jarious Jackson said. "It starts this weekend with Sask."

"It's about pride," added Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns last week. "It's about who the hell we are and how we want to finish. ... It's been an unbelievably tough season. Three games to decide it. This is what it comes down to."

In the most recent meeting between the teams, Edmonton won 42-31 on Aug. 3 in Regina. Saskatchewan won 29-21 at Edmonton on June 8.

--Field Level Media