Riders’ receiver Duke Williams ’50/50′ for Week 2 against Elks due to ankle injury

Photo courtesy: Liam Richards/Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be without their star receiver when they take on the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, as Duke Williams is listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.

Williams rolled his ankle in practice on Wednesday and did not participate during Thursday’s closed walk-through. In a video shared by CJME’s Britton Gray, head coach Craig Dickenson said the final decision on whether Williams will play has not yet been made.

“It’s probably 50/50 right now, to be quite honest with you,” Dickenson said. “He’s going to treat it tonight and see how he feels in the morning and he’s going to let us know.”

The six-foot-three, 225-pound Williams made five receptions for 58 yards in Saskatchewan’s season-opening victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He recorded 26 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns in six games, including the playoffs, after returning from the NFL last year.

The 29-year-old began his CFL career in Edmonton, where he racked up 134 catches for 2,294 yards and 15 touchdowns in 33 games. Williams spent the next three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, recording 12 receptions for 166 yards and one touchdown.

Should Williams be unable to go, the Riders could opt to start a third Canadian receiver in either first-round pick Samuel Emilus or Mitch Picton. CFL newcomers Tevin Jones and Dieuly Aristilde Jr. could be called up from the practice roster as American options.