One first would lead to another.
If Mario Alford is to miss a game for the first time since joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders in July of 2022, Drae McCray will make his CFL regular-season debut as a returner on Saturday against the host B.C. Lions.
“It’s probably going to be tough for (Alford) to go this week,” Head Coach Corey Mace said after Wednesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “Drae has been waiting in the wings, so it would be an opportunity for him to show who he is.”
Alford suffered a hip injury during last Saturday’s 24-10 home-field loss to the Calgary Stampeders — a game from which both teams emerged with 4-1 records.
During the Roughriders’ 4-0 start, Alford made a series of key plays. Most notably, he scored on a game-winning, 99-yard kickoff return against the host Toronto Argonauts on June 20. He crossed the goal line with nine seconds left to propel Saskatchewan to a 39-32 victory.
The kickoff-return touchdown was Alford’s fourth as a CFLer. He is one shy of the league record, set by Harvey Wylie during his nine seasons (1956-64) with Calgary.
With 12 career return touchdowns, Alford is tied for fifth on the CFL’s all-time list.
McCray’s experience in the pro ranks is limited to two pre-season games. He sparkled in his first game in green and white, returning three kickoffs for 110 yards (including a 51-yarder) and five punts for 46 yards against the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 24.
Afterward, McCray made a point of crediting Alford for the tutelage he provided. That has not changed.
“I have one of the greatest returners in the CFL right next to me, so if I don’t use it to learn, I’m not a very smart person,” McCray said with a laugh on Wednesday.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound receiver/returner starred in college at Austin Peay (2021-22) and Texas Tech (2023-24) before signing with Saskatchewan in May.
At Austin Peay, he was the first 1,000-yard receiver in school history. He contributed to the passing game at Texas Tech while emerging as one of the NCAA’s premier returners.
Now he has huge cleats to fill, barring a rapid recovery by Alford.
“That’s Super Mario, man,” Mace said. “He’s a tough one to lose. Certainly, he has been playing out of his mind to this point in the season. Ultimately, it sucks for him (to sit out a game).
“But, in saying that, we all have confidence in Drae to be able to go out there and execute and make plays. He showed to be really dangerous in the pre-season.
“Now he’s got the guys in front of him blocking for him who have been doing it for the full season. We’ll just see what that looks like.”
Mace is also playing wait-and-see before making a call on receiver Samuel Emilus, who has missed the past three games with a foot injury.
The two-time 1,000-yard receiver has been listed as a full participant in practice this week.
“He’s just gaining confidence back in that (knee),” Mace said. “He’s very close.
“I’ll end up making that decision after tomorrow’s practice, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s out there this week. If it needs another (week), then we’ll be smart with it.”
