Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-6-0)
at Ottawa Redblacks (5-8-1)
Friday, 5 p.m., TD Place
TSN, CKRM
THE FORECAST: Environment Canada is calling for a mix of sun and cloud during the day with a high of 15 C. The forecast is for a low of 6 C in the evening.
THE LOWDOWN: The Roughriders and Redblacks meet for the first time this season. Saskatchewan is 3-1-0 against East Division opponents in 2017, while Ottawa is 1-5-1 versus teams from the West … The Roughriders are 2-4-0 on the road this season. Ottawa is 2-4-1 at home … The Redblacks are in the midst of a run that sees them play 11 games in as many weeks. They have byes in weeks 18 and 20. The Roughriders already have enjoyed both of their bye weeks … Saskatchewan is coming off a 15-9 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Sunday. The Redblacks also lost their previous game, falling 29-9 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 22.
THE RIDERS’ ROSTER: Kevin Glenn will start at quarterback for the Roughriders despite being pulled from Sunday’s game after three quarters. Glenn completed 12 of 19 pass attempts for 127 yards against Calgary without a touchdown … Brandon Bridge went 6-for-7 for 91 yards with one touchdown in relief of Glenn. The Canuck is now 40-for-58 for 525 yards with seven TDs and one interception this season … Saskatchewan’s running game produced just 28 yards against the Stampeders — and 12 of those came from Bridge. Nationals Kienan LaFrance and Greg Morris must produce more Friday for the Roughriders to be successful … Naaman Roosevelt, the Roughriders’ leading receiver this season, has been put on the six-game injured list after taking a high hit against Calgary. His spot this week goes to Antwane Grant, who returns to the lineup after spending the past two weeks on the practice roster … Receiver Brett Blaszko, who was acquired from Winnipeg on Monday for a conditional 2018 draft choice, comes onto the roster. He replaces Devon Bailey, who was injured while making a touchdown catch Sunday. Bailey also has been placed on the six-game injured list … The rest of the receiving corps remains intact, with national Rob Bagg joining internationals Duron Carter, Bakari Grant and Caleb Holley … The offensive line had trouble against Calgary, which recorded five sacks and stuffed the running game. The Roughriders will go with the same starting five, with Brendon LaBatte at centre, Derek Dennis and Peter Dyakowski at guard, and Bruce Campbell and Thaddeus Coleman at tackle … Saskatchewan’s defence held its own against the Stampeders, limiting the potent Calgary offence to five field goals by Rene Paredes. Saskatchewan gave up 127 yards rushing to Jerome Messam, but quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell passed for only 222 yards … The D-line rotation once again includes Tobi Antigha, Makana Henry, Willie Jefferson, A.C. Leonard, Ese Mrabure and Eddie Steele. Antonio Longino comes onto the roster as a backup … Middle linebacker Henoc Muamba was a standout against Calgary, recording eight defensive tackles. He’ll be flanked again by Sam Eguavoen and Otha Foster III … Defensive back Crezdon Butler also had a fine statistical game against the Stampeders with seven tackles, including two for losses. He’ll be joined again in the secondary by corners Jovon Johnson and Kacy Rodgers II, halfback Ed Gainey and safety Jeff Hecht … Christion Jones again will handle the returns for the Roughriders. Punter Josh Bartel, kicker Tyler Crapigna and long-snapper Jorgen Hus remain the specialists … The only other roster change this week features the addition of defensive back Elie Bouka, who’s to make his CFL debut. He replaces backup offensive/defensive lineman Emmanuel Adusei, who returns to the practice roster.
