The Saskatchewan Roughriders aim to end a six-game losing streak and enhance their playoff chances when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday in Regina, Sask.
Saskatchewan (6-11) can clinch the final playoff spot in the West Division, depending on how the Calgary Stampeders (5-11) finish their season.
The Roughriders will complete their regular season Saturday while Calgary finishes next week.
The Argonauts (14-2) have clinched the East Division title and have been resting some starters in recent games.
“You have to prepare for who you expect to play and you have to prepare for their starters — which I think we will see — and then you have to prepare for what they do schematically,” Roughriders coach Craig Dickenson said. “They are a well-run team, (they’re) well-coached and they will be a big challenge.”
The Roughriders had a chance to clinch a playoff spot on Oct. 13, but lost 26-19 to the Stampeders.
“We’ve still got to go out and win anyways,” Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow said. “We’ve been saying that for a long time, but we’ve still got to go out there and take care of our business.”
The Argonauts are coming off a 40-27 home win over the Ottawa Redblacks.
Toronto leads the CFL in sacks (63), interceptions (21) and forced turnovers (46).
Quarterback Chad Kelly is expected to start against Saskatchewan although backups Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott could also play.
Saskatchewan, which is 4-4 at home but 1-4 against East Division teams, lost to the Argonauts 31-13 on July 29.
“I think some people were worried about keeping the same energy and focus so far out when you don’t play a meaningful game,” Argonauts defensive lineman Robbie Smith said. “It’s important for us to think that the playoffs are a different beast. Momentum is one of the most important things in sports, and especially in the playoffs. We can’t go into the last couple of weeks cruising and get caught slipping in our first playoff game.”
Toronto will be without offensive lineman Dejon Allen (leg), defensive backs Robertson Daniel (ankle) and Tigie Sankoh (hamstring), and wide receivers Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (hip) and Cam Phillips (groin).
Saskatchewan will be without defensive backs Jeremy Clark (knee) and Jaxon Ford (hamstring), and defensive linemen Jaylen Moody (knee) and Christian Albright (hip).
–Field Level Media
