Riders officially rule out Mike Edem for rest of season

Photo courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have officially ruled out Canadian defensive back Mike Edem for the rest of the 2021 season, head coach Craig Dickenson told the media on Wednesday.

The eight-year veteran started the first five games of the year at safety but suffered a broken wrist in the Banjo Bowl against Winnipeg. He was initially replaced by fellow Canadian defensive back Elie Bouka, though Loucheiz Purifoy has since taken over the starting safety spot.

Edem joined the Riders in 2017 following a brief stint with the B.C. Lions and rejuvenated his career, rediscovering the success he enjoyed as a rookie with the Montreal Alouettes in 2013. He was named a West Division all-star in 2018 after recording 76 total tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble.

He made 11 tackles and one forced fumble this season, helping the Riders achieve a 3-2 start.

Edem is set to finish his stint on the six-game injured list this week after undergoing wrist surgery back in September. He will not be able to return to the field this year, leaving Purifoy, Bouka, and second-year Canadian defensive back Jacob Dearborn to replace him in Saskatchewan’s secondary.

Dickenson also told the media that Jordan Reaves “can’t seem to get over” his Achilles issues, which have held him out of the season to date. The team hopes to get him back but is “not optimistic” they will see him in the lineup before the year is done.