Kicker Brett Lauther returns for Riders’ crucial regular-season finale

Photo: Neil Noonan/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders can breathe a little easier about their kicking situation heading into their regular-season finale against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

Veteran kicker Brett Lauther will return to the lineup this week after sitting out last week’s loss to Calgary with illness. Global Ryan Meskell was pressed into action and connected on all four field goals and a convert in his CFL debut, with a long of 43 yards. He has since been moved to the practice roster.

Lauther has hit 34-of-41 field goals he’s attempted this year, as well as 25-of-27 extra points. The native of Truro, N.S. has a well-established reputation for clutch game-winning kicks, with a career-long of 57 yards.

[metabet_core_odds_board query=”531081″ site_id=”3downnation”]

Also returning to the lineup are backup linebackers T.J. Brunson and Brian Harelimana, as well as fullback Bruno Labelle. American defensive end Brayden Thomas is slated to make his CFL debut.

Rookie safety Jaxon Ford (hamstring) has been added to the one-game injured list, as have defensive linemen Christian Albright (hip) and Jaylen Moody (knee). Canadian receiver Juwan Brescacin will be a healthy scratch.

The Riders (6-11) are slated to host the Argos (14-2) on Saturday, October 21 at 4:00 p.m. EDT. If Calgary defeats B.C. on Friday, Saskatchewan could be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. If the Stampeders lose, the Riders can clinch a postseason berth with an upset victory.