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Saskatchewan Roughriders to start QB Trevor Harris, sit K Brett Lauther for finale
By 3Down Staff -October 24, 2025
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are resting a handful of banged-up starters in the regular-season finale while bringing a handful who took the game off last week back into the lineup, including quarterback Trevor Harris.
The 39-year-old pivot rested as the third-stringer in last week's one-point loss to Winnipeg, while Jake Maier and Jack Coan split time under centre. He will start and play at least a portion of this game to get ready for the postseason.
Other stars back in action this week include running back A.J. Ouellette, right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, and defensive tackle Micah Johnson. However, defensive back C.J. Reavis, left guard Philippe Gagnon, and defensive tackle Mike Rose will all take the game off as healthy scratches.
The Riders will also be missing four players with injury designations, as receiver Joe Robustelli (knee), linebacker Nick Wiebe (back), running back Mario Anderson Jr. (knee), and kicker Brett Lauther (back) are all sitting out.
American Michael Hughes will make his CFL debut at the kicker spot in place of the embattled Lauther, potentially auditioning for the playoffs. Darius Washington will move from right tackle to right guard, with Noah Zerr dressing as his backup. Canadian linebacker Melique Straker is back from a brief illness, and Canadian safety Nelson Lokombo will play for the first time since he injured his ankle in Week 12.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5) will host the B.C. Lions (10-7) on Saturday, October 25, with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a win over the Edmonton Elks and can clinch second place in the West Division with a win over Saskatchewan, while the Roughriders lost a sloppy affair in Winnipeg.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of 19 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/10/24/saskatchewan-roughriders-to-start-qb-trevor-harris-sit-k-brett-lauther-for-finale/
B.C. Lions without unsung DL Jonah Tavai for finale against Riders
By 3Down Staff -October 24, 2025
The B.C. Lions remain relatively healthy heading into the final game of the 2025 regular season, but will be making one change along the defensive line.
Defensive tackle Jonah Tavai has been officially ruled out this week with a thigh injury. Though still not a household name, the 24-year-old is the second-highest graded interior defensive lineman in the CFL this season, according to Pro Football Focus. In 13 games, he has recorded 26 defensive tackles and five sacks.
30-year-old rookie Tomasi Laulile will step back into the lineup in place of Tavai. In nine games this season, the BYU product has notched 10 defensive tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Cornerback Garry Peters is the only other player whose status is in question, as he is listed as a game-time decision due to a persistent knee injury. The 33-year-old is expected to play, as the Lions can secure second place in the West Division with a victory this week and gain hosting privileges for the West Semi-Final.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5) will host the B.C. Lions (10-7) on Saturday, October 25, with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a win over the Edmonton Elks, while the Roughriders lost a sloppy affair in Winnipeg.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of 19 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/10/24/b-c-lions-without-unsung-dl-jonah-tavai-for-finale-against-riders/
Taylor Shire @Taylor_Shire
#Riders depth chart vs Lions:
-Lauther out, Hughes will kick
-Lokombo returns at safety, Reavis rests this week
-KSB could get playing time this week; Emilus, Johnson, Meyers, Robustelli out
-Washington for Gagnon at LG
-TBD on how much Harris plays
-Same for Ouellette
I would not expect to see Ouellette or Harris after half time.
Quote from: jayrock on October 24, 2025, 04:48:35 PMI would not expect to see Ouellette or Harris after half time.
Trevor gets 1Q max methinks. If he gets destroyed it's the end of GC hopes for SSK. Unlike playing OTT, EDM is actually improving and seems to be actually wanting to win these nothing games.
If Trevor gets season-ended there will never be an end to the "why did you start him -- what were you thinking" questions.
That said, I think it's the right move. You can't have him go a full 4 weeks with no reps.
Harris gets rid of the ball so quick, he very rarely gets cranked.
Quote from: dd on October 25, 2025, 04:13:52 AMHarris gets rid of the ball so quick, he very rarely gets cranked.
True, but he's still taken quite a number of big hits this season. Sometimes multiple ones a game. And everyone knows the adage "hit Trevor once and he'll suck the rest of the game".
To me the most "glass" QB in the league is Trevor. Followed closely by Zach (head only), followed by BLM. Strangely enough -- that list coincides with the the oldest-QB list.
He ll do his dink and dunk routine to keep his short game sharp, then he'll be pulled from the game. He just won't be taking big shots down field that would put him in a spot to be lit up
GO BC GO
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 25, 2025, 10:32:06 PMNo No NO. We want the Lions to lose!!!
Meh, that is a matter of opinion as all.
BC sucks so far...
bc wants montreal/hamilton instead of playing at home??
does rourke stink in big games?
Quote from: The Zipp on October 26, 2025, 12:09:35 AMbc wants montreal/hamilton instead of playing at home??
does rourke stink in big games?
9/11 for 193 in a half.
bc has a good running back, but
Buck just does not like to run the ball.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 26, 2025, 12:16:37 AMand losing
It was within a score and now they're winning. He was hardly having a bad game. He opened the scoring with a 63 yard TD pass.
I don't see Sask making GC
Either Blue or BC gonna take them out
Quote from: Sway on October 26, 2025, 12:25:42 AMI don't see Sask making GC
Either Blue or BC gonna take them out
Anything can happen in the playoffs but they're way overrated.
Can't count on Sask for anything
i am not sure bc beats them at home in the potential cold.
i think bc will beat calgary in a very close one.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 25, 2025, 10:53:58 PMMeh, that is a matter of opinion as all.
Quote from: The Zipp on October 26, 2025, 12:09:35 AMbc wants montreal/hamilton instead of playing at home??
does rourke stink in big games?
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 25, 2025, 10:53:58 PMMeh, that is a matter of opinion as all.
I'm a traditionalist and wanted the Bombers to play a semi in the west. Why would you not want the same?
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 12:42:53 AMI'm a traditionalist and wanted the Bombers to play a semi in the west. Why would you not want the same?
i believe sask at home will be very hard to beat.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 12:42:53 AMI'm a traditionalist and wanted the Bombers to play a semi in the west. Why would you not want the same?
No way Bombers would be beating the stamps and riders on the road.
Off to Montreal. We can beat those guys.
Our best chance of winning is through Montreal. If Alexander pulls his hamstring again and MBT the turnover machine has to go in, anything can happen. And we're the underdogs, its easier to play when everyone expects the other team to win---we know that only too well!! We need to get Demski back and we have a chance
The non-TD/fumble/non-TD:
a) By my computer measurements, the ball at it's closest (in frame by frame) did break the plane by a fraction of an inch.
b) The whistle went because the dude thought it was TD -- it was too early to be any sort of DBC and the dude didn't get DBC for quite a while anyhow. So I think we can exclude the whistle for DBC.
c) If (b) is correct, he whistled for a TD, then the call on-field should have been TD. That would require an overturn on review -- and my point (a) above would make it so it's not "clear & obvious" and it would remain a TD.
d) The "play is over" or "forward progress" whistle negating the SSK return TD is fair because CFL has done this many times (including to us if memory serves, most recently to Demski). No one likes it, but the only solution is to once again remind the refs not to blow whistles.
e) I think the CFL needs to explain what the whistle was for -- did that ref call TD? If not, he should be reprimanded as no one was anywhere near DBC, and it wasn't even a question. And if it was whistled a TD, then explain how/why it got overturned when it appears to have crossed (to see this you need to pause on the right frame and draw a vertical line (hold up a ruler if you want) and follow it down to the leading edge of the goal line).
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 02:04:29 AMThe non-TD/fumble/non-TD:
a) By my computer measurements, the ball at it's closest (in frame by frame) did break the plane by a fraction of an inch.
b) The whistle went because the dude thought it was TD -- it was too early to be any sort of DBC and the dude didn't get DBC for quite a while anyhow. So I think we can exclude the whistle for DBC.
c) If (b) is correct, he whistled for a TD, then the call on-field should have been TD. That would require an overturn on review -- and my point (a) above would make it so it's not "clear & obvious" and it would remain a TD.
d) The "play is over" or "forward progress" whistle negating the SSK return TD is fair because CFL has done this many times (including to us if memory serves, most recently to Demski). No one likes it, but the only solution is to once again remind the refs not to blow whistles.
e) I think the CFL needs to explain what the whistle was for -- did that ref call TD? If not, he should be reprimanded as no one was anywhere near DBC, and it wasn't even a question. And if it was whistled a TD, then explain how/why it got overturned when it appears to have crossed (to see this you need to pause on the right frame and draw a vertical line (hold up a ruler if you want) and follow it down to the leading edge of the goal line).
Could have been for an incomplete pass as well. Too bad we lose the shot of the sideline/goaline referee with the whistle in his mouth. If he thought it was a touchdown, he should have signaled it first, then blew his whistle. If he did raise his hands, that would have been obvious to everyone in the stadium and difficult to take back. I think the referees got together and decided it was an inadvertent whistle. It happens. Very rarely, but it happens. Good luck on hearing an explanation from the league though. They no do stuff like that. The TSN guys can definitely do a better job of getting to the bottom of these calls as well.
Well, command did "give back" the potential bad call giving Hatcher the TD late in the 4th. I definitely think it was a TD (because that 2nd hand never moved even when the nose touched the turf), but Crazy Command could have easily said it moved or touched too much... they've done it before (Bailey's 2019 GC TD...).
Ya, it was so stupid of TSN to not show any shots of that whistle ref, even on replay. Maybe they didn't want to add embarrassment to the situation.
BC isn't looking good considering Riders switched to pre-season mode after the half. How many backups/#2's were playing after that?
Trevor was dissecting them with that cursed dink & dunk. I don't think BC has really found a solution all season.
To me it looks like any of SSK/CGY/BC can win the W. The home field advantage may prove the difference(s).
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 26, 2025, 01:11:20 AMNo way Bombers would be beating the stamps and riders on the road.
Off to Montreal. We can beat those guys.
You may be right but you may be wrong just as well. It's going to depend on which Collaros shows up regardless of which teams we play.
Quote from: Tecno on October 26, 2025, 02:04:29 AMThe non-TD/fumble/non-TD:
a) By my computer measurements, the ball at it's closest (in frame by frame) did break the plane by a fraction of an inch.
b) The whistle went because the dude thought it was TD -- it was too early to be any sort of DBC and the dude didn't get DBC for quite a while anyhow. So I think we can exclude the whistle for DBC.
c) If (b) is correct, he whistled for a TD, then the call on-field should have been TD. That would require an overturn on review -- and my point (a) above would make it so it's not "clear & obvious" and it would remain a TD.
d) The "play is over" or "forward progress" whistle negating the SSK return TD is fair because CFL has done this many times (including to us if memory serves, most recently to Demski). No one likes it, but the only solution is to once again remind the refs not to blow whistles.
e) I think the CFL needs to explain what the whistle was for -- did that ref call TD? If not, he should be reprimanded as no one was anywhere near DBC, and it wasn't even a question. And if it was whistled a TD, then explain how/why it got overturned when it appears to have crossed (to see this you need to pause on the right frame and draw a vertical line (hold up a ruler if you want) and follow it down to the leading edge of the goal line).
I'm not clear on what happened except the feeling that the Riders got screwed and the refs messed up probably. It was a bang bang play. I didn't think it was a TD although very close. So if that wasn't the call then why was it whistled dead?
My take on the play was that the ref inadvertantly killed the play when Sask recovered the ball outside the end zone, that's why the ball went to the 1 yard line. Not sure why the ref had the quick whistle at the goal line area, let the play go until the player at least is on the ground. I am sure he'll hear about this big time during their post game review!! Inexcusable at this level of football and this time of year- 1 week before playoffs.
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 03:26:22 PMMy take on the play was that the ref inadvertantly killed the play when Sask recovered the ball outside the end zone, that's why the ball went to the 1 yard line. Not sure why the ref had the quick whistle at the goal line area, let the play go until the player at least is on the ground. I am sure he'll hear about this big time during their post game review!! Inexcusable at this level of football and this time of year- 1 week before playoffs.
Yeah, that's a monumental issue / mistake in a game that decided 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the west, changing the crossover.
Riders probably win if the play stood, the Lions become the crossover and the Bombers end up in 3rd.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 05:07:27 PMYeah, that's a monumental issue / mistake in a game that decided 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the west, changing the crossover.
Riders probably win if the play stood, the Lions become the crossover and the Bombers end up in 3rd.
Oh for sure. An inadvertant whistle at the CFL level is almost unheard of. That's inexperience coming out. I doubt whomever committed the error is reffing in the playoffs, but you're right, a huge monumental gaff that determined the playoff paths for a number of teams.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 12:14:47 PMI'm not clear on what happened except the feeling that the Riders got screwed and the refs messed up probably. It was a bang bang play. I didn't think it was a TD although very close. So if that wasn't the call then why was it whistled dead?
Exactly. The whistle can only sound (in this situation) for 3 reasons:
1. TD was scored
2. DBC
3. Forward progress stopped
I rewatched and there are a few nuances I noticed.
a) Hatcher backing towards GL
b) D hits him from behind and wraps his arms around him and forward progress (FPS) stopped. Arms stay wrapped through the whole process
c) ball flies out
d) Hatcher knee touches down
e) whistle
The whistle sounded within the normal "eyes - brain - mouth" reaction time from (d). It was a little late in terms of "I saw a TD" reaction time.
So what I think is there was a ref looking for DBC (or even forward progress as per (b)) and saw that knee hit or thought "he's been wrapped up moving backwards long enough"
who didn't even notice the ball was loose. If it was the ref right above the play (on-screen) that would make sense as the ball fell out beside a trailing D guy on the ground blocking his view.
So it may have been somewhat unavoidable, especially if the ref was fixated on the carrier body to determine DBC/FPS.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 26, 2025, 05:07:27 PMYeah, that's a monumental issue / mistake in a game that decided 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the west, changing the crossover.
Riders probably win if the play stood, the Lions become the crossover and the Bombers end up in 3rd.
That's a very good point. Could have been the game decider. However, it occurred at 3Q11:35 so who's to say Rourke/Buck wouldn't have turned on the jets some more to dial up some more TDs? Surely it could have been done if they reached into the post-season bag of secret tricks.
I'm sure what we saw in this game is not "peak Lions" ball. They were holding back because a) who cares if they go east? -- might be preferred, and b) they were playing the SSK "b team".
Quote from: dd on October 26, 2025, 09:52:06 PMOh for sure. An inadvertant whistle at the CFL level is almost unheard of. That's inexperience coming out. I doubt whomever committed the error is reffing in the playoffs, but you're right, a huge monumental gaff that determined the playoff paths for a number of teams.
Uh, whistle mistakes like this occur 1-3 times every season. I can remember us losing out on TDs or YAC for the same reason. The league did try to address it a few seasons ago, so much so that sometimes the most obvious DBCs are not whistled so that TD-runs the other way can take place so Command can sort it out.
As for reffing in the playoffs: not necessarily. The best crews get rewarded playoff & GC games (only 2 or 1 game a weekend hereon out). I'm sure the worst-graded refs have already been sent home. I wonder if that includes everyone's favorite 2 minor refs...