Riders lose REC Shawn Bane Jr., RB Ryquell Armstead for Elks game

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be short a couple of key offensive weapons when they take on the Edmonton Elks on Saturday.

Receiver Shawn Bane Jr. has been ruled out after suffering a significant knee injury on a low hit from Ottawa’s Money Hunter last week, though the Riders have not officially ruled him out for the season. The 29-year-old receiver has had a down year after breaking out in 2023 with his first thousand-yard season but has still caught 49 passes for 581 yards and five touchdowns.

Also absent will be new running back Ryquell Armstead, who suffered a shoulder injury while trying to deliver a block on the aforementioned Hunter. Despite switching teams halfway through the season, the 27-year-old sits fourth in CFL rushing with 160 carries for 862 yards and three touchdowns. The Millville, N.J. native is just two weeks removed from the CFL’s first 200-yard rushing game since 2021.

Both players have been placed on the one-game injured list as CFL rules prevent additions to the six-game after a team’s 15th contest. Jerreth Sterns, who posted 25 catches for 324 yards through the first half of the season, will start in place of Bane. Frankie Hickson will get the nod at running back after going for 392 yards and a touchdown on 76 carries in seven previous appearances.

Defensively, the Riders are expected to receive a boost with the returns of strong-side linebacker C.J. Reavis and defensive end Bryan Cox Jr., who each missed last week’s victory. Veteran special teamer Jordan Herdman-Reed will also dress, while Canadian linebacker Zach Philion and American defensive end Eric Black have been returned to the practice roster.

Boundary cornerback Deontai Williams will serve his one-game suspension for an illegal and dangerous tackle on Redblacks’ receiver Kalil Pimpleton last week, with Amari Henderson slotting in as his replacement. American right guard Jacob Brammer (knee) will be replaced by Nick Jones.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (7-7-1) will visit the Edmonton Elks (5-10) on Saturday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

Graphic courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders