Jobs on the line as Riders visit Elks to wrap up pre-season
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing for their final pre-season tune-up.
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 gam. They will visit the Edmonton Elks on Saturday (2 p.m., CKRM, CFL+).
With a number of veteran players not making the trip, the door is open for rookies and players on the bubble to make an impact before the final cut-down 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.
QB QUESTIONS
While Harris is the uncontested starting quarterback, 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 on June 1.
Fine, who won the job last year, was limited last week against Winnipeg, allowing Patterson to deliver the strongest performance in the opening game. He'll need a similar outing this week to force the coaches to make a tough decision.
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 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
TSN isn't broadcasting the game, so 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.
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.
Admission is free of charge.