The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made a significant roster change for the West Semi-Final against the B.C. Lions.
Head coach Corey Mace has put two American running backs on offence for the first time in 2024, A.J. Ouellette listed as the starter with Ryquell Armstead a designated American behind him.
"It's something since bringing 'Q' in that we knew could be an option for us. We feel having both those guys on the roster this week plays into our favour. That's what you try to do, source through every different scenario, roster move and what we feel is best for our team," Mace said. "Defensively, you have to play them differently. More tools for [Marc] Mueller to call it, different options for the offence to attack the defence."
Armstead has not played since Week 17 due to a shoulder injury. He rushed for 207 yards on 25 carries in his debut with the Riders during Week 16 and helped Saskatchewan start the win streak which clinched a home playoff game at Mosaic Stadium.
The 28-year-old signed with the Roughriders on September 16 after being released by the Ottawa Redblacks. He's rushed 160 times for 862 yards (5.4 per carry) with three touchdowns on the ground in 13 games while adding 38 reception for 298 yards in his first CFL season.
"There's been zero management -- he's been all in since he's been here. I don't think there's anything more than him wanting to help this team. He feels like he can do that with the ball in his hands and he's correct, but it's a team-first mentality and he's bought all the way in since he's been here," Mace said. "Haven't had to have any sit-downs or separate conversations outside when he first got here."
Ouellette has played eight games rushing 130 times for 550 yards and three touchdowns plus 16 catches for 147 yards. He signed as a high profile free agent in February. The 29-year-old won a Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium in 2022 then rushed for 1,009 yards in 2023 with the Double Blue.
"A.J.'s tough to bring down on any given day, when the weather gets colder I find he likes that kind of party," Mace said.
Canadian offensive lineman Peter Godber returns to the roster after being out with an ankle injury since the Labour Day Classic. He's listed as a backup as Logan Ferland starts at centre. Amari Henderson starts at boundary cornerback over Deontai Williams while defensive lineman Anthony Lanier is a healthy scratch.
The Roughriders return to the field on Saturday, November 2, when the team hosts the B.C. Lions in the West Division Semi-Final. Countdown to Kick-off begins with a chance to watch Justin Dunk and Wes Cates live at 1:30 p.m. on YouTube. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder join at 43:30 p.m. with the kick-off to follow at 4:30 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
