Former Alabama star ready for run with Riders

TORONTO (CP) — Victor Butler will have the chance Saturday afternoon to again lock horns with Trent Richardson.

Richardson will make his CFL debut with Saskatchewan (7-6) when the team visits the Toronto Argonauts (7-7) at BMO Field. The Roughriders signed Richardson last week, but the former Alabama star didn’t play in their 18-17 road win over the Ottawa Redblacks.

The five-foot-nine, 225-pound Richardson ran for 3,130 yards (5.8yard average) and 35 TDs over three seasons at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide capture two NCAA titles before going third overall to Cleveland in the 2012 NFL draft. But Richardson couldn’t duplicate his collegiate success, rushing for 2,032 yards and 17 TDs in 46 career games with the Browns and Indianapolis Colts (2012-14).

After being waived by Indianapolis in March 2015, Richardson was subsequently released by Oakland (before the 2015 season) and Baltimore (2016). Butler and Richardson squared off in the NFL as members of the Dallas Cowboys and Browns, respectively, before becoming teammates with the Colts.

“The guy is a great back,” Butler said. “When you play against guys like him, the worst thing you can do is one — underestimate him, and two — disrespect him.

“You’ve got to respect his game, the calibre of player he is.”

Stampeders RB Williams honoured after first start

TORONTO — Calgary running back Terry Williams, Toronto receiver DeVier Posey and Winnipeg defensive back Chris Randle are the CFL’s top performers for Week 15.

Williams had three touchdowns in his first CFL start to help the Stampeders to their 10th straight victory in a 59-11 rout over Montreal.

Williams racked up 156 yards on 16 carries, including a 45-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.