The Saskatchewan Roughriders travel to Edmonton on Saturday for a Week 18 match-up with the Elks. With a little help on the out-of-town scoreboard the Green and White can clinch a play-off spot: a Riders win combined with Calgary and Hamilton losses.
That said, Saskatchewan's offence will have a new look from the 12 players that started last week against the Ottawa Redblacks in a 29-16 win. Running back Frankie Hickson is likely to take the spot of an injured Ryquell Armstead and Jerreth Sterns will presumably take the spot of Shawn Bane Jr., who sustained a long-term knee injury in the victory.
"I've been very vocal with the team about him being my favourite player on the team. He doesn't say much, he comes to work, he takes notes, he does everything right. In his situation, he's been handling it nothing but professional. He's made plays for us as well. He gets a look, I would expect him to be Sterns," head coach Corey Mace said.
Sterns is in his second season with the Roughriders and was a starter up until Week 11, when he was a healthy scratch for the game at home against Montreal. Since then, Sterns has been biding his time, hoping to draw back into the lineup.
“My thought process through the whole thing was to stay in shape, stay in tune with the playbook and don't fall behind on anything -- I did a good job of doing that.”
Stern's probable return comes at the expense of Bane Jr., who has taken the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer under his wing in Saskatchewan.
“That's my guy. He's been a mentor for me since I've been here. Hopefully it's a good opportunity for me to showcase what I can do again. The biggest importance is to go 1-0 this week.”
Through nine games, the 25-year-old Sterns has made 25 catches for 324 yards. The five-foot-nine, 175-pound pass catcher is not worried about showing any rust when he does get back on the field.
“I was attacking like I was still playing, still watching the film, still studying the new plays they were getting put in -- staying ready.”
Sterns feels he has cemented a strong bond with quarterback Trevor Harris through only four games within two seasons due to Harris’ injuries.
“Having a guy like Trevor telling me he believes in me -- when I get the opportunity, he knows I'll be ready.”
That opportunity is likely to be on deck.
Saskatchewan travels to Edmonton to take on the Elks on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. Countdown to Kick-off begins with Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 2 p.m. Luc Mullinder and I will join at 4 p.m. with the kick-off to follow at 5 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
