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It’s the final test run for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday as they meet the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the last preseason game.
Last week, the Blue Bombers prevailed in the battle of field goals 15-9.
With most of the starters with the green and white playing last week in Winnipeg, Roughriders Head Coach Corey Mace will get a chance to assess the depth of the roster this week.
Among the starters that will be sitting is Quarterback Trevor Harris. Jake Maier will get the start behind centre. Maier was acquired by the Roughriders in an off-season trade as the team hopes the former Stampeder can provide a veteran presence for the squad. Since Harris arrived in Saskatchewan in 2023, he has missed 19 games. He missed the majority of his first campaign with a knee injury followed by a MCL sprain last year that sidelined him for six games.
In Harris' absence, the Roughriders have turned to the likes of Mason Fine, Jake Dolegala and Shea Patterson, but are now hoping for Maier to fill the role of the starting quarterback if Harris suffers another injury.
During his time with the Stamps, Maier led the CFL in passing attempts and completions in 2023, his first year as a full-time starter in the Canadian Football League.
Tommy Stevens and Jack Coan will also dress for the preseason finale.
AJ Ouellette will also sit out Friday night’s game, as the battle for the backup running back spot heats up between Mario Anderson and Trenton Pennix. Anderson had seven carries for 16 yards last week in Winnipeg and is listed as the starter for tonight’s game. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon is also on the roster and led all Roughrider running backs last week with 41 yards on the ground with six carries.
Other offensive starters who will get the night off on Friday are wide receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker and Samuel Emilus, offensive linemen Logan Ferland and Jermarcus Hardrick.
On the defensive side, one veteran who will see his first game action of 2025 will be Micah Johnson. The defensive tackle will be paired with another former Stampeder Mike in the interior of Saskatchewan’s defensive line.
Defensive starters who won’t play tonight after suiting up in Winnipeg include defensive end Malik Carney, linebacker Jameer Thurman, defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr, Marcus Sayles, and Tevaughn Campbell.
Joe Couch will handle the punting duties after Bailey Flint was the punter last week.
Following the final cuts this weekend, the Roughriders will begin preparations for their first game of the season, a home matchup against the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday, June 5.