GDT Edm at Ssk, Sat Oct 24, 2:00PM

gobombersgo · October 23, 2026, 12:59:07 PM

gobombersgo · October 23, 2026, 12:59:31 PM

gobombersgo · October 23, 2026, 12:59:53 PM

Saskatchewan Roughriders rest six key starters for finale
October 23, 2026

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will rest a number of key players in their regular-season finale, despite playoff seeding being up for grabs.

As has been previously reported, franchise quarterback Trevor Harris will rest this week, and Jack Coan will make his first career CFL start. The six-foot-three, 218-pound pivot is in his third season with Saskatchewan, having completed 45.2 percent of his passes for 153 yards and one touchdown.

Brayden Schager, who has spent the entirety of his rookie season on the reserve roster, will dress for the first time as a backup and is expected to see action later in the game.

Other veteran offensive starters sitting out this week with preexisting injuries include running back A.J. Ouellette (neck), team-leading receiver KeeSean Johnson (ankle), and reigning Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Jermarcus Hardrick (knee).

Deon Jackson will make his CFL debut in the backfield. He played 20 games over two recent seasons with the UFL's DC Defenders, rushing for 866 yards and 11 touchdowns. The six-foot, 220-pound ball-carrier also rushed for 245 yards and five touchdowns over four playoff games.

The 27-year-old previously played with the Indianapolis Colts, dressing for 16 regular-season games. He rushed 68 times for 245 yards and five touchdowns, and caught 30 passes for 209 yards and one score. The native of Atlanta, Ga., has also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions.

Rookie American offensive lineman Jaison Williams will step in at right tackle for Hardrick, while Zack Fry will dress as the sixth man and spell off Daniel Johnson (back). Most Outstanding Rookie nominee Daniel Wiebe will get the start in the receiving corps, with second-round pick Dylan Djete dressing as insurance.

Defensively, Saskatchewan will be without defensive end James Vaughters and field halfback DaMarcus Fields. Desmond Evans returns to the lineup as a starting edge rusher after playing extensively earlier in the season, while Jonathan Edouard steps up in the secondary. Seyi Oladipo Jr. will return at strong-side linebacker, knocking Jaxon Ford into a backup role.

While the Riders have already clinched a playoff spot, the result of this game will determine whether they remain in the West Division or crossover into the East Division. No crossover team has ever advanced to the Grey Cup.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8) will host the Edmonton Elks (13-4) at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, October 24, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The Elks are coming off a win over Winnipeg that clinched first place in the West Division, while Saskatchewan secured a playoff spot with a win over Montreal.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton and 620 CKRM in Regina.

https://3downnation.com/2026/10/23/saskatchewan-roughriders-rest-six-key-starters-for-finale/

gobombersgo · October 23, 2026, 01:00:12 PM

Edmonton Elks resting over a dozen starters against Riders
October 23, 2026

The Edmonton Elks will put their depth to the test when they wrap up the regular season on Saturday, resting 13 starters against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

As has been previously reported, franchise quarterback Cody Fajardo will be chief among those taking a seat. Taylor Powell, who was acquired in free agency from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, will make his first start in green and gold. The 27-year-old has seen action in only two games this year, completing 11-of-12 pass attempts for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Other key offensive contributors getting the week off to rest minor injuries include running back Justin Rankin (ankle), top receiver Austin Mack (calf), and starting guards Carter O'Donnell (leg) and Coulter Woodmansey. Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant will also step out of the starting lineup and into a backup role.

Shunderrick Powell will get the majority of play in the backfield, though veteran return specialist Javon Leake is scheduled to make his return from injury. Canadian Isaiah Knight is also on the roster and could see touches. Zach Mathis will step in for Julien-Grant, while Most Outstanding Rookie nominee T.J. Luther is back at receiver after an extended injury absence. Brett Boyko and Nash Jones will start along the offensive line, with Arvin Hosseini and Chris Pashula dressing as insurance.

Defensively, the Elks have elected to sit down top edge rushers Malik Carney (back) and Noah Taylor (knee), defensive tackle Jared Brinkman (groin), linebackers Nick Anderson (calf) and Joel Dublanko (hamstring), cornerbacks J.J. Ross (groin) and Tyrell Ford (hand), and safety Chelen Garnes (knee). Defensive tackle Jordan Williams will dress in a backup capacity.

Elijah Alston, Noah Curtis, Gavin Meyer, and Robbie Smith will start along the new-look defensive line, with former first-round CFL Draft pick Francis Bemiy added as insurance. Canadian rookies Dariel Djabome and Justin Pace will step in at the two linebacker spots, with Isiah King dressing for depth. Leonard Johnson and Jaaron Joseph will play as the two corners, while Royce Metchie steps in at safety with Tyshon Blackburn as insurance. American defensive back Ladarius Tennison will also dress in a depth capacity.

The Edmonton Elks (13-4) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8) at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, October 24, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The Elks are coming off a win over Winnipeg that clinched first place in the West Division, while Saskatchewan secured a playoff spot with a win over Montreal.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton and 620 CKRM in Regina.

https://3downnation.com/2026/10/23/edmonton-elks-resting-over-a-dozen-starters-against-riders/

Tecno · October 23, 2026, 11:54:14 PM

Boy, every game & team except ours not trying or caring makes fantasy a tough slog this week. As seen in the first game (so far), these may be low-scoring affairs. There's not too much 2nd & 3rd string QBs can accomplish.

Since we're the only team trying, I went Bomber-heavy (which one would NEVER do otherwise), and Horvath -- even though he may only play a tiny part of the game. My gut says they give Horvath a lot of tries to get the TD record, and TDs are the best way to win fantasy.

Tecno · October 24, 2026, 07:48:29 AM

Has anyone ever seen a team that still has something to fight for not dress their #1 QB and only dress #2-#4?? If injured, sure. But T.Harris isn't injured. So what's up with that?

How is this sitting in Riderland??

Tecno · October 24, 2026, 10:05:59 AM

Just dawned on me the starting QB for EDM is Powell. Having the RB Powell start too got my brain in a muddle. So the QB is Powell, as in the ex-HAM QB Powell... the guy I believe is the "next big thing" in the CFL.

This will be a great chance for him to prove he should be a starter in '27. I also think this definitively gives EDM the edge. Coan is relatively new and has shown zero so far (in PS, etc). And Powell will have many of the starting RECs. Both teams will be desperate to avoid injury.

I hope Powell shines. Maybe he's an option to take over in WPG in the future.

Jesse · October 29, 2026, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Tecno on October 24, 2026, 07:48:29 AMHas anyone ever seen a team that still has something to fight for not dress their #1 QB and only dress #2-#4?? If injured, sure. But T.Harris isn't injured. So what's up with that?

How is this sitting in Riderland??

Everyone knew it would happen. They didn't have anything to fight for and have been battling the injury bug all year. They valued the rest more than facing a particular opponent.

Throw Long Bannatyne · October 29, 2026, 06:45:43 PM

Quote from: Tecno on October 24, 2026, 10:05:59 AMJust dawned on me the starting QB for EDM is Powell. Having the RB Powell start too got my brain in a muddle. So the QB is Powell, as in the ex-HAM QB Powell... the guy I believe is the "next big thing" in the CFL.

This will be a great chance for him to prove he should be a starter in '27. I also think this definitively gives EDM the edge. Coan is relatively new and has shown zero so far (in PS, etc). And Powell will have many of the starting RECs. Both teams will be desperate to avoid injury.

I hope Powell shines. Maybe he's an option to take over in WPG in the future.

Good gawd that game was a disgrace, the only way Sask. got the ball into the endzone was allowing the refs. to move it to the 1 so Big Tommy the ****** could plow it over the goal line.

Stats Junkie · October 29, 2026, 07:19:28 PM

Quote from: Tecno on October 24, 2026, 07:48:29 AMHas anyone ever seen a team that still has something to fight for not dress their #1 QB and only dress #2-#4?? If injured, sure. But T.Harris isn't injured. So what's up with that?

How is this sitting in Riderland??

2025 Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Tecno · October 29, 2026, 08:29:29 PM

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 29, 2026, 06:45:43 PMGood gawd that game was a disgrace, the only way Sask. got the ball into the endzone was allowing the refs. to move it to the 1 so Big Tommy the ****** could plow it over the goal line.

Glad I'm not the only one that saw it. Good thing the forum went down when I watched that game, because I was ready to spit fire.

I don't often think CFL games are rigged, but this one looked like shenanigans central. Every single decent play by EDM was called back. Every time SSK needed to be saved on a failed 2nd down conversion, the refs obliged with some magic bullhooey.

The DPIs and ICs were especially outlandish. I had to dig around to see if ref #22 was still in the league... it was that bad. It's like there was just 1 guy tilting the scales. I never got his/her number.

So many phantom calls that even TSN couldn't keep a straight face.

Plus, no team cheats like SSK. Holy moses they were showing how they are the masters of that craft. Embellishing, faking, holding, and that STUPID HEAD BOBBING HAND MOVING crap they do on SY. They are not allowed to time the QB cadence to the C doing "I'm snapping it!!!" head bobs which other OL twitch their hands!!

It's shocking how much time SSK puts into practicing cheating and shenanigans vs good playing.

I could rewatch and go into detail, but it's best I don't. The league should be ashamed of themselves.

Tecno · October 29, 2026, 08:30:20 PM

Quote from: Stats Junkie on October 29, 2026, 07:19:28 PM2025 Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Really? Where by the time we played we could have gone from xover to 3rd in W?? You sure an earlier game the same weekend didn't seal our fate?

Tecno · October 29, 2026, 08:33:49 PM

I must admit Coan looked pretty darn good. Maybe HE'S the next big thing, not Powell. Powell looked pedestrian. However, I think EDM had more "desired starters" OL sitting, and SSK had most starting OL in. Coan definitely got more time in the pocket.

Also, didn't help that SSK was sending blitz packages all night. So maybe Powell's showing isn't indicative of much. And everyone has tons of film on Powell from past starts -- no one has any decent Coan film.

But Coan was delivering. He'll be one to watch. And I hate to say it, as everyone in Green is The Devil...

Tecno · October 29, 2026, 08:36:57 PM

Did the CFL (and/or EDM!!) want SSK to stay in the West? A BC/SSK game will probably have a bigger draw than SSK/TOR and BC/WPG. And SSK, being the GC champs, has better optics having a shot through their own division.

I think WPG is pretty much despised by all now, so send them to the East to get eaten up by the 2 monsters there.