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Healthy Saskatchewan Roughriders reinsert eight starters, kicker Brett Lauther for West Final
By 3Down Staff -November 7, 2025
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have a contingent of refreshed and healthy starters ready for their West Final matchup with the B.C. Lions.
Defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr. (foot/knee), C.J. Reavis (load management), and Marcus Sayles (ankle), defensive tackle Mike Rose (load management), receivers Samuel Emilus (load management), Joe Robustelli (knee), and Dohnte Meyers (ankle), and left guard Trevon Tate (shoulder) are all back in the lineup after missing the regular season finale for rest or injury, as is embattled kicker Brett Lauther (back).
The 35-year-old specialist from Truro, N.S., has struggled this season, hitting just 72.2 percent of his field goals. However, the Riders are turning back to him in a critical moment, sending American Michael Hughes back to the practice roster.
Defensively, Milligan and Sayles will slot into their usual spots on the boundary side, while Reavis will move to safety, and Antoine Brooks Jr. will remain at strong-side linebacker. Rose is listed as a backup behind Ali Saad for ratio purposes, but will see the majority of reps in the rotation.
In addition to the returning starters, the Riders will regain the services of short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens (knee) and top special teams ace Nick Wiebe (back). Depth safety Jaxon Ford (knee) and sixth offensive lineman Zack Fry (knee) will also dress after recovering from injury.
It isn't all good news for Saskatchewan, however, as All-CFL receiver KeeSean Johnson will not be able to go after being listed as questionable with a knee injury. Canadian pass catcher Ajou Ajou (ankle) has also been deemed unavailable, leaving a starting five of Robustelli, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Tommy Nield, Emilus, and Meyers, with Dhel Duncan-Busby as insurance.
Quarterback Jack Coan, receivers Shawn Bane Jr. and Mitch Picton, offensive lineman Noah Zerr, defensive lineman Benoit Marion, and defensive backs Sheldrick Redwine, Nafees Lyon, and Benny Sapp III have all been made healthy scratches to make room for the flurry of roster moves. Offensive lineman Darius Washington and defensive lineman Chico Bennett Jr. have been returned to the practice roster.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6) will host the B.C. Lions (12-7) in the West Final at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Saturday, November 8, with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. EST. The Lions defeated the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 33-30 in the West Semi-Final, while the Roughriders were on bye after finishing atop the West Division standings.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of minus-six degrees and mainly sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/11/07/healthy-saskatchewan-roughriders-reinsert-eight-starters-kicker-brett-lauther-for-west-final/
B.C. Lions' RB James Butler still game-time decision for West Final
By 3Down Staff -November 7, 2025
The B.C. Lions head into Regina for the West Final on Saturday with concerns at the running back position.
James Butler has been listed as a game-time decision for the second consecutive week as he continues to battle an ankle injury suffered in the regular-season finale against Saskatchewan. The 30-year-old was a limited participant in practice on all three days leading up to the game, taking part in offensive walkthroughs but sitting out the team period.
Butler carried the ball 229 times this year for a career-best 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also catching 46 passes for 439 yards and another major. However, he managed just eight carries for 28 yards and three catches for 38 yards after being banged up against the Riders. After being deemed a game-time decision for the West Semi-Final last week, the Calgary Stampeders held him to seven carries for 25 yards, as well as two catches for 26 yards.
The Lions have former NFL fullback Zander Horvath on the roster if Butler is unable to go, while Jordan Terrell could also be activated off the practice roster. Horvath has run for 231 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries this year, while adding 47 yards on two receptions. Terrell played three games in 2024, producing four carries for 24 yards as well as a receiving touchdown, but has yet to play this year.
While Butler's status looms large, the Lions have made only one official change to their lineup. Veteran Canadian linebacker Isaiah Messam is back from a knee injury, with Woodly Appolon becoming a healthy scratch.
The B.C. Lions (12-7) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6) in the West Final at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Saturday, November 8, with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. EST. The Lions defeated the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 33-30 in the West Semi-Final, while the Roughriders were on bye after finishing atop the West Division standings.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of minus-six degrees and mainly sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/11/07/b-c-lions-rb-james-butler-still-game-time-decision-for-west-final/
I can't cheer for either team. Can we vote for the league to award an appearance in the Grey Cup to the Elks? lol
I'll be cheering for Buck. And and also for Winnipeg east aka the Tiger-cats. It could be an all ex-bomber cup. It's not against us so I feel ok to cheer for them.
The only reason to cheer for SSK is to make my GC tickets sell... it could have an effect worth hundreds of dollars, or even of them selling at all.
More than happy to get back my investment in them. SSK win might make that happen.
james butler listed as questionable
not good
Quote from: theaardvark on November 06, 2025, 04:46:41 PMThe only reason to cheer for SSK is to make my GC tickets sell... it could have an effect worth hundreds of dollars, or even of them selling at all.
More than happy to get back my investment in them. SSK win might make that happen.
I think the Riders will win this one and also win the cup in the Peg.
Quote from: BBRT on November 07, 2025, 05:02:56 PMI think the Riders will win this one and also win the cup in the Peg.
I m with you on this one. Sask has a veteran Qb, a strong running game, great recieving corp and a stingy defense. The only thing suspect is their field goal kicking. I m afraid the football gods are going to torture us by having the green melon heads invade and take over our city on Grey Cup weekend and the Riders will win the Cup in front of us, just to make it sting all that more!!
depth charts have been posted
Quote from: The Zipp on November 07, 2025, 01:03:56 AMjames butler listed as questionable
not good
Horvath their Natl. backup is pretty hard to contain, similar running style to Ouellette, runs like a ball of hate.
this is the healthy the riders have been all year. Should be a great game.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 07, 2025, 07:03:09 PMHorvath their Natl. backup is pretty hard to contain, similar running style to Ouellette, runs like a ball of hate.
I like Horvath 6"3, 230, he's a beast. But, he's not a (N).
Quote from: Pigskin on November 07, 2025, 10:43:49 PMI like Horvath 6"3, 230, he's a beast. But, he's not a (N).
You are right, saw him ripping it up at the Lion's Kamloops TC and assumed he was Canadian based on his name.
Quote from: dd on November 07, 2025, 05:39:53 PMI m with you on this one. Sask has a veteran Qb, a strong running game, great recieving corp and a stingy defense. The only thing suspect is their field goal kicking. I m afraid the football gods are going to torture us by having the green melon heads invade and take over our city on Grey Cup weekend and the Riders will win the Cup in front of us, just to make it sting all that more!!
Vet QB who's never won anything in the playoffs and often underperforms. Suspect secondary. Agree on the receiving corp and its a heck of a dline.
Quote from: dd on November 07, 2025, 05:39:53 PMI m with you on this one. Sask has a veteran Qb, a strong running game, great recieving corp and a stingy defense. The only thing suspect is their field goal kicking. I m afraid the football gods are going to torture us by having the green melon heads invade and take over our city on Grey Cup weekend and the Riders will win the Cup in front of us, just to make it sting all that more!!
will not be there...will not watch on tv unless in the 4th the riders are getting throttled by Davis/Bo then i may tune in.
easiest solution is for kid Canada (gag) to take care of business today. BC defence is suspect though.
just a terrible weekend in winnipeg - salty as a guy can get right now. stupid sports
Grey Cup wins and Andrew Harris go together.
Hoping for the Lions... but Rourke didn't have a great game and Lions D collapsed last week.
I would like to see Amar Doman rewarded with a Grey Cup for his efforts,
Quote from: markf on November 08, 2025, 02:31:34 PMGrey Cup wins and Andrew Harris go together.
Hoping for the Lions... but Rourke didn't have a great game and Lions D collapsed last week.
I would like to see Amar Doman rewarded with a Grey Cup for his efforts,
Comes down to Rourke, so far he's fallen short in big games he's played, first he gets frustrated then he gets discouraged. If he can put the team on his back and break off some big runs when he has no other options, he could upset the Riders like Chad Kelly did against the Bombers in the 2022 GC.
It's going to be loud here. It's sold out and the fans here are ready. Just got into town and it is crazy
Quote from: jayrock on November 08, 2025, 07:44:23 PMIt's going to be loud here. It's sold out and the fans here are ready. Just got into town and it is crazy
I used to live in Regina and remember game days well, the whole city changed and was excited for the game, its a big deal there, as it should be, but a playoff game at home for a chance to go to the Grey Cup, the city will be on fire!!
Quote from: jayrock on November 08, 2025, 07:44:23 PMIt's going to be loud here. It's sold out and the fans here are ready. Just got into town and it is crazy
really?
Either a 10km long train is holding everyone up from taking there seat or the "sell out" is fabricated because with 15mins to kick off the stadium looks 20% full.
Guess is depends on your definition of "crazy".
Guess it was a train.. :D
Come on Rourke make us proud.
Nice drop to start.
Eww got starting throw
- Harris
Quote from: jayrock on November 08, 2025, 07:44:23 PMIt's going to be loud here. It's sold out and the fans here are ready. Just got into town and it is crazy
I never want to hear Riders fan accuse anyone of fake sellouts again.
I didn't know it was legal to rip off a player's helmut out of bounds?
It's getting a bit quiet in Regina.
The panel is really on today.
Anyone watching this game?
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 09, 2025, 12:55:13 AMAnyone watching this game?
Yup
Rourke and O time to shine....
Couple of questionable decisions by Mace but they still have a chance to win.
Dammit!
Don't like the DRW call by Buck.
Run with Butler
Leo D needs yet another stop!
Friggin Lions choke...again.
On the bright side, Bomber fans can sell their tickets to rider fans and charge them double
Was cheering for BC but Riders deserved it with that finish.
Well let's go Montreal.
bc defence was suspect all season - true to form in the playoffs.
Prevent winning defence by the Lions at the end.
Yeah the lions defence has not been good this season.
Rourke was ok, nothing really special.
Decent game. Trevor Harris in The Grey Cup is good.
Note to Rourke: Game is 60 minutes and apparently it wasn't your time. :)
Top 5 paid QB's didn't make it to the Grey Cup. Alexander is the 8th paid starting QB.
Ugh. Now I gotta cheer for MTL
Might be able to gauge some rider fans on grey cup tix now
Quote from: Sway on November 09, 2025, 01:35:28 AMUgh. Now I gotta cheer for MTL
Agreed I dislike Alexander and the Als organization but the Rider hatred is deep.
Quote from: The Zipp on November 09, 2025, 01:33:28 AMbc defence was suspect all season - true to form in the playoffs.
When BC went with the 3 man rush during the last Rider drive I knew they were hooped. These 3 man rush defenses never work. Just ask the Bombers as they seemed to have loved them.
Yep, the 3 man rush is called the prevent defence, which only accomplishes 1 thing...it prevents you from winning. Run the same **** defence that got you to that point and flush the 3 man crap.
This means that Sask has a chance to win their 5th Grey Cup in 105 years. LOL
Quote from: The Zipp on November 08, 2025, 02:21:44 PMjust a terrible weekend in winnipeg
At least I have Norris/McClaren winning the F1 sprint race today, and Norris on pole for tomorrow and likely winning the driver championship! After my Bombers, that's the only other sport that matters to me ;D ;D ;D
Ya the 3 man rush may work against the inexperienced or brutal Qb, but given time, most capable Qbs can find an open man. I m pro 4 man rush and pressure as pressure gets to even the most experienced guys, if they're rushed mistakes are made.
Wow, 3 of the 4 playoffs games so far have exciting, and decided in the final seconds of the game. We need to do a few rule changes to prevent this from happening again.
That Rider int near their goal line was the turning point with a 10 point swing. I feel sad for some of my Lions friends but it's the nature of the game. One play can decide the outcome of any game.
BC screwed up the clock management. If Rourke simply keeps the ball instead of throwing it away, or they call a run play, they kill another 20 seconds of clock. Riders scored with 11 seconds left so they would have run out of time. That's the third or fourth game this season where a team lost because they didn't kill the clock properly.
Have to give Harris and the Rider offence credit, they marched the ball when they had to and BC couldn't stop them. Two excellent games this weekend.
kid canada is kid choke - can't win the big game. not his time, may never be his time..
Commish has been very absent.
I don't like this guy.
Quote from: TBURGESS on November 09, 2025, 03:32:52 PMBC screwed up the clock management. If Rourke simply keeps the ball instead of throwing it away, or they call a run play, they kill another 20 seconds of clock. Riders scored with 11 seconds left so they would have run out of time. That's the third or fourth game this season where a team lost because they didn't kill the clock properly.
It is an aspect of the game that most don't think of, but I've always said the last 3 minutes of the game is the game within the game, teams that figure out and manage the clock properly win, and the ignorant ones don't. Calgary and BC both had the game in hand and blew it because they didn't manage the clock properly.
Quote from: dd on November 09, 2025, 05:57:32 PMIt is an aspect of the game that most don't think of, but I've always said the last 3 minutes of the game is the game within the game, teams that figure out and manage the clock properly win, and the ignorant ones don't. Calgary and BC both had the game in hand and blew it because they didn't manage the clock properly.
It's not as calculated as some people make it out to be, teams are desperate to make first downs the best way they know how, poor clock management is what's pointed out when they fail to execute their plan properly. That 2 and out non-sense at a critical time in the game is what the Bombers have replicated too often in the last 2 seasons.
BC owner claiming the ball hit the ground (with grainy pics). I thought it MIGHT have but couldn't see proof.
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/lions-owner-doman-on-social-media-riders-winning-td-not-a-catch/
Not sure where they got these photos, as nothing on the broadcast showed it wasn't a catch. Even so, the Riders would have just lined up and ran another short slant or curl and got the TD in the next play or 2
Quote from: Waffler on November 09, 2025, 10:26:58 PMBC owner claiming the ball hit the ground (with grainy pics). I thought it MIGHT have but couldn't see proof.
Ya, no doubt it hit the ground, the question is if it moved in the dude's hands when it did. Nothing disqualifying if it touches the ground if it's fully under control and doesn't move relative to the hands.
IMHO it was incomplete, but 100% you are never overturning it with the useless camera angles & views. Why aren't there more cameras on the EZ in the post-season??
Quote from: dd on November 09, 2025, 10:33:05 PMEven so, the Riders would have just lined up and ran another short slant or curl and got the TD in the next play or 2
Ya, time for 2 more tries. Since SSK is 100% built around the short pass game (and don't forget the strong run/OL) I really have no doubt they get it with 3 tries. Especially against that suspect BC D.
Quote from: Tecno on November 10, 2025, 12:32:46 AMYa, no doubt it hit the ground, the question is if it moved in the dude's hands when it did. Nothing disqualifying if it touches the ground if it's fully under control and doesn't move relative to the hands.
IMHO it was incomplete, but 100% you are never overturning it with the useless camera angles & views. Why aren't there more cameras on the EZ in the post-season??
Don't like the catch definition they've adopted the last few years, used to be if the football touched the ground at all it was no catch as it was considered trapping, should just go back to that to make it clear and simple. If every team accepts the rule there's no more guessing about whether the receiver has ball control or not. Ground assisted catches should not count!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 10, 2025, 03:10:12 AMDon't like the catch definition they've adopted the last few years, used to be if the football touched the ground at all it was no catch as it was considered trapping, should just go back to that to make it clear and simple.
Picture a catch where the REC has arms fully extended while diving. He snags the ball way in front of himself with both hands and has a firm grip. Now he hits the ground with arms still out. Ball touches the ground. But his hands remain in the exact same place around that ball. (Something you might see Kenny do.)
Catch or no catch? Under current CFL rules it's a completion. And I'm glad, because that would be an incredible play and highlight reel for SC.
Quote from: Waffler on November 09, 2025, 10:26:58 PMBC owner claiming the ball hit the ground (with grainy pics). I thought it MIGHT have but couldn't see proof.
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/lions-owner-doman-on-social-media-riders-winning-td-not-a-catch/
Pretty bad look for an owner to whine like this. What a loser.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 10, 2025, 01:29:22 PMPretty bad look for an owner to whine like this. What a loser.
agreed - take the loss, congratulate the other team and you have the power to ensure your own team is getting better so you can close a game out on the road. Look in the mirror - fix your own team.
Quote from: The Zipp on November 10, 2025, 03:05:07 PMagreed - take the loss, congratulate the other team and you have the power to ensure your own team is getting better so you can close a game out on the road. Look in the mirror - fix your own team.
I don't think introspection or self-awareness are in Doman's wheelhouse. He'd rather point fingers and be a whiner on social media.
And that's a delicious irony here, IMO: video replay and camera technology are subpar when it comes to CFL coverage in-game, but there's no mention of trying to upgrade any of it or make improvements - in order to avoid bush league situations like this in big games.
Quote from: Tecno on November 10, 2025, 09:28:07 AMPicture a catch where the REC has arms fully extended while diving. He snags the ball way in front of himself with both hands and has a firm grip. Now he hits the ground with arms still out. Ball touches the ground. But his hands remain in the exact same place around that ball. (Something you might see Kenny do.)
Catch or no catch? Under current CFL rules it's a completion. And I'm glad, because that would be an incredible play and highlight reel for SC.
Simple, no catch, Kenny knows he shouldn't let the ball touch the ground,if he has a clear understanding of the rules. Allowing it allows for other questionable catches to count as the refs. initial call is often little more than a well intended guess. Why decide any scoring play on a refs. first impression when they are all reviewed anyway? Huge consequences for getting this one wrong, left hand isn't even on the ball when it touches the ground.
(https://i.redd.it/qmikdyu1d50g1.jpeg)
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 10, 2025, 03:42:51 PMAnd that's a delicious irony here, IMO: video replay and camera technology are subpar when it comes to CFL coverage in-game, but there's no mention of trying to upgrade any of it or make improvements - in order to avoid bush league situations like this in big games.
Ya, for the playoffs they really should double the number of cameras. Like a lot more sideline handhelds in the EZ. Put a cam on every camera pad in the stands (usually like half are used). More roof cams. More behind-the-EZ cams.
And more hi-rez super-slowmo cams for the EZ.
There's no reason we have to rely on grainy high-motion shots like Doman is showing.
I can understand not wanting to pay the added expense in-season, but we should splurge for the post-season -- only 5 games!
That's his elbow on the ground, the ball it up over his other hand.
Quote from: TBURGESS on November 11, 2025, 12:54:46 AMThat's his elbow on the ground, the ball it up over his other hand.
Exactly, nice try mr malcontent BC owner!! How pathetic are you to go onto social media afterwards to complain about the call that was the right call. LOVE it when BC loses!!! It just never gets old.
Quote from: Tecno on November 10, 2025, 08:52:40 PMYa, for the playoffs they really should double the number of cameras.
The league needs to improve the technology for all games - regular season and playoffs. This should be a priority, instead of the dumb, bush league ideas the BOG came up with recently.
When you even look at the blurred pics, how could they possibly overturn call on field,
Quote from: Pete on November 11, 2025, 07:53:31 PMWhen you even look at the blurred pics, how could they possibly overturn call on field,
The one TSN replay clearly showed the ball touched the ground so that fact can't be disputed. Like I said earlier, take all TD calls out of the refs. hands completely.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 12, 2025, 01:20:42 AMThe one TSN replay clearly showed the ball touched the ground so that fact can't be disputed. Like I said earlier, take all TD calls out of the refs. hands completely.
then why was the only pic BC could find was of Sask recievers elbow touching the ground?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 12, 2025, 01:20:42 AMLike I said earlier, take all TD calls out of the refs. hands completely.
But you always should have / need a "call on the field". The refs need to make their best attempt, with the caveat that they need to err on the side of "letting things play out" in case they are wrong. Then command can "uphold / overturn".
There's nothing I hate more than when the refs give us no call on the field. That should never happen. If you didn't clearly see it then assume it didn't happen. Let command overturn if you're wrong. Like DBC: refs are taught they have to see the body part touch the turf, they can't assume it did.
The only way you should take away refs' call on the field is if we can get tech so advanced that it can tell us the instant a player is DBC, or the ball breaks the plane, or whatever. That's at least 10 years out, if ever.
All sour grapes. At best inconclusive. Not enough CLEAR evidence to overturn the call.
Quote from: Tecno on November 12, 2025, 06:54:50 AMBut you always should have / need a "call on the field". The refs need to make their best attempt, with the caveat that they need to err on the side of "letting things play out" in case they are wrong. Then command can "uphold / overturn".
There's nothing I hate more than when the refs give us no call on the field. That should never happen. If you didn't clearly see it then assume it didn't happen. Let command overturn if you're wrong. Like DBC: refs are taught they have to see the body part touch the turf, they can't assume it did.
The only way you should take away refs' call on the field is if we can get tech so advanced that it can tell us the instant a player is DBC, or the ball breaks the plane, or whatever. That's at least 10 years out, if ever.
I ve never seen a play where the refs didn't make the call on a particular play. Never.
Quote from: dd on November 12, 2025, 05:50:23 PMI ve never seen a play where the refs didn't make the call on a particular play. Never.
I have. Or at least where no one announced the call. So there may have been a ref call, but they just went straight to command. Then when they came back they didn't say "upheld/overturned" they just said the result. Whenever it happens it really irks me.
Now, there may have been a ref call, but it was never relayed or even implied by what was said.
I've posted about it when it's happened over the years -- mostly '23-'24 IIRC. So it's in there if someone wants to search and have the game on PVR still.
Quote from: Tecno on November 12, 2025, 11:05:12 PMI have. Or at least where no one announced the call. So there may have been a ref call, but they just went straight to command. Then when they came back they didn't say "upheld/overturned" they just said the result. Whenever it happens it really irks me.
Now, there may have been a ref call, but it was never relayed or even implied by what was said.
I've posted about it when it's happened over the years -- mostly '23-'24 IIRC. So it's in there if someone wants to search and have the game on PVR still.
Gotcha, so that's on tan, not the refs as for sure they would have made the call.