Samuel Emilus, James Letcher Jr. return for Saskatchewan Roughriders in B.C.

Photo: Tanner Piper/Piper Sports Photography/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will get a couple of major contributors back in the lineup when they face the B.C. Lions on Sunday.

Canadian receiver Samuel Emilus is unquestionably the biggest addition after missing the team’s last three regular-season games with a foot injury. The Montreal native has caught 31 passes for 448 yards and five touchdowns over six regular-season games this year. He remains the team’s third-leading receiver despite his time away.

The six-foot, 200-pound target was originally a first-round pick in the 2022 CFL Draft. He has since caught 235 passes for 3,362 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning West Division all-star status in 2024. He was named the Most Valuable Canadian in Saskatchewan’s Grey Cup win last season.

Also making his way back after an extended absence is American returner James Letcher Jr., who has been out with an elbow injury since Week 4. The prized off-season acquisition was averaging 13.9 yards per punt return and 24.3 yards per kickoff in three games prior to going down. He scored two career return touchdowns while with the Montreal Alouettes.

To make room for the two playmakers, Canadian receiver D’Sean Mimbs has been placed on the reserve roster, while Vyshonne Janusas has been demoted to the practice squad.

The only other change to the starting offence comes at the running back position, where Quali Conley returns after a one-game absence. Star Thomas has been placed back on the practice roster after rushing nine times for 36 yards last week and catching three passes for 25 yards.

Canadian offensive linemen Zack Fry and Daniel Johnson have also been re-inserted into the lineup, though neither is listed as a starter. Backup defensive tackle Ali Saad will be back in the defensive rotation.

Canadian offensive lineman Darius Bell, Canadian defensive lineman Liam Hoskins, and American defensive back Seyi Oladipo Jr. have all been returned to the practice roster.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-3) will visit the B.C. Lions (4-5) at BC Place Stadium on Sunday, August 23, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Roughriders are coming off a 26-19 upset loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while the Lions beat the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 30-26.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 620 CKRM in Regina or 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver.

Eligible sports bettors in Ontario and Alberta can find relevant information for wagering on the games by clicking on their respective jurisdiction. Please bet responsibly.

Graphic courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders