Riders’ Elimimian in, Marshall and Lauther out ahead of Stamps matchup

There’s some good news and some bad news when it comes to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ injury report.

On Saturday, Rider Nation will finally get to see one of the team’s high-profile free-agent signings in linebacker Solomon Elimimian. But while Elimimian joins the active roster, the team will be without a few of its key starters as well.

Cornerback Nick Marshall (ankle), kicker Brett Lauther (groin) and returner Christion Jones (undisclosed) were put on the one-game injured list Friday. Left tackle Takoby Cofield (hamstring) was put on the six-game injured list.

Elimimian will suit up for the Roughriders for the first time as they play the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

“I’m excited just being out here and in this atmosphere,” Elimimian said following practice Friday at Mosaic Stadium. “I was (at Mosaic Stadium) opening day and it was unbelievable. I had goosebumps all over my body and it’s where you want to play as a professional athlete.”

Elimimian joined the Roughriders in May after spending the previous nine seasons with the B.C. Lions.

During his career, Elimimian has been named a CFL all-star four times, was voted the league’s most outstanding rookie in 2010, was named the CFL’s most outstanding defensive player twice (2014, 2016), and was voted the league’s most outstanding player in 2014.

Elimimian has been out since training camp due to a calf injury.

“I just want to go out there (Saturday) and have a good showing for myself, for my teammates and for the crowd,” Elimimian said. “Just keep this winning thing going. We’re playing against a good team in Calgary. It’s not going to be easy.”

While Elimimian comes in as one of the league’s most decorated defenders, cornerback Blace Brown is getting his first opportunity to prove he can be a contributor in the CFL.

“(I’m feeling) pretty confident with all the support I’ve got from the older guys,” said Brown, who’s to fill in for Marshall. “It has been a ride and I can’t wait to show what I’ve got.”

It has been a surreal time for Brown to be able to learn the Canadian game from Marshall.

“He’s a guy that I grew up watching in high school (and) watching him play in college,” Brown said. “I know his whole story because I was a kid looking up to him and watching him, so it’s cool playing alongside him now.”

Brown grew up in Canton, Ga. Marshall played cornerback at the University of Georgia before becoming a quarterback at Garden City Community College and eventually at Auburn.

He was moved back to cornerback when he joined the Roughriders last season.

Head coach Craig Dickenson said he has confidence in Brown.

“He has done a good job of working hard to try and improve his game,” Dickenson said. “We feel like those practice-squad guys are the next in line and we want them to continue to develop.”

Another rookie will also get his first chance in the league.

Gabriel Ferraro was signed to the Roughriders’ practice roster Wednesday and will take over kicking duties from Lauther for the game. The University of Guelph product set the U Sports record for field goals made in a season with 33 in 2017.

The Roughriders aren’t the only ones dealing with the injury bug this week. The Stampeders will be missing a bevy of starters, including quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. He was placed on the six-game injured list Friday.

In his place, Calgary will trot out Nick Arbuckle to take the snaps behind centre.

Arbuckle is in his second season with the Stampeders and went 9-for-9 for 93 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing TD in a 36-32 comeback victory over the Lions on June 29.

Elimimian said defenders can’t take a backup quarterback lightly in the league.

“I’m more hesitant of (playing) a new guy than an established guy,” Elimimian said. “We know what Bo can do but it’s that new guy that wants to come in and make his mark (that’s dangerous).”

The Roughriders will roll out their own backup, Cody Fajardo, for the third straight game after losing Zach Collaros to a concussion on June 13 in a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Fajardo has been stellar in his first two starts, throwing for 790 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. Fajardo also has two touchdown runs.

The Green Zone pre-game show will begin at 6 p.m.

Notes

Wide receiver Justin McInnis, Saskatchewan’s first-round pick (sixth overall) in the 2019 draft, is to get his first-ever CFL start. Wide receiver K.D. Cannon (groin) will be in a backup role … Tailback Marcus Thigpen and wide receiver Kyran Moore will handle punt-return duties in Jones’ absence … Thaddeus Coleman, who didn’t play in Monday’s 32-7 victory over the Toronto Argonauts, is to start at right tackle Saturday. Terran Vaughn is to move to left tackle to take Cofield’s spot … Linebacker Sam Hurl (undisclosed) is out … Guard Brendon LaBatte (groin, hip) had a procedure done and will be out six to eight weeks.