The Saskatchewan Roughriders will face several former teammates when they visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Week 5 of the CFL season. The Roughriders (2-1) look to rebound after a 40-34 loss to Toronto, while the Redblacks (0-3) seek their first win.
Familiar Faces in Ottawa
Ottawa's roster includes multiple players from Saskatchewan's 2025 championship team: linebackers C.J. Reavis and A.J. Allen, defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado, former Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther, and quarterback Jake Maier, who will make his fourth straight start for the Redblacks. Maier served as Saskatchewan's backup last season.
Roughriders head coach Corey Mace acknowledged the challenge of facing a former teammate. "I think you could look at some things that we know about him," Mace said. "Obviously going to a different team with different coaches, they might want to change some things that maybe he was doing, but the film will always tell you, at the end of the day, to confirm or deny things that you're seeing or what you thought."
Redblacks' Recent Performance
Ottawa lost 29-21 to Edmonton in Week 1, fell 44-24 to Toronto in Week 3, and narrowly lost 37-35 to Montreal on Sunday. Maier threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in that game. Mace noted Maier's improvement: "I thought last game was a really good one for him. I think he's obviously getting more comfortable with his guys and in tune with the system, and obviously (head coach and offensive coordinator Ryan Dinwiddie's) play calling."
Roughriders Seeking Rebound
Saskatchewan started 2-0 with wins over B.C. and Calgary before last week's loss. Mace wants more energy from his team. "To be honest, I would love to see more, I don't have a better word, like jazz hands," Mace said. "Just some more enthusiasm from the guys celebrating each other's success — just some more juice. I felt like we were lacking that last week. We know we've got great players, we know we can be a great team; just enjoy it and have some fun out there."
Injury Report
After missing Monday's practice, receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker (oblique) and Samuel Emilus (ankle) were limited on Tuesday. Fellow Canadian receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby, who missed last week with a shoulder injury, was a full participant after sitting out Day 1. American receiver Jaylen Johnson (shoulder) was a full participant after spectating on Monday.
Returner James Letcher (elbow) missed a second straight day and appears destined for the injured list. Running back A.J. Ouellette (ankle) was limited for a second straight day after missing last game. Safety Nelson Lokombo (ankle) was limited for a second straight day, while defensive lineman Ali Saad (calf) was limited after leaving practice early with an injury.
