Dhel Duncan-Busby set for second CFL start against the Edmonton Elks

Dhel Duncan-Busby had a “Welcome to the CFL” moment in his first game.

The rookie pass-catcher got the start due to injuries in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ receiver room and he hauled in seven catches for 92 yards in his debut — a 29-16 win over the Ottawa Redblacks.

But when he caught his first pass of the game early in the first quarter, the 24-year-old fumbled the ball. Luckily for him and the Riders, he also managed to recover the ball.

“That was the first time actually getting hit out here so just caught me by surprise a little bit,” Duncan-Busby said. “Throughout the game, I kind of learned from that experience and I was holding onto that ball real tight and making sure it didn’t pop out again.”

Duncan-Busby is expected to start his second game of the season this week as the Riders look to earn a win in Edmonton against the Elks. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. Sask. time.

A Riders win paired with a Hamilton Tiger-Cats loss would clinch the Riders’ first postseason birth since 2021.

Duncan-Busby admitted he’s been able to settle his nerves better this week.

“Just getting another full week of getting those reps like that will just make me sharper,” Duncan-Busby said.

One of the biggest adjustments the Riders’ 2024 third-round draft selection has had to make is getting used to the speed of the professional game.

“Obviously these guys are here for a reason and they get paid for a reason,” Duncan-Busby said. “I just have to make sure I lock in on my assignment and do what I need to do.”

Quarterback Trevor Harris said he has belief in the pass-catcher and if Duncan-Busby is open when his progression gets to that point, the ball is coming his way.

“He’s very reliable and has good hands,” Harris said. “I was really proud of him the way he has been preparing and the way he has kept being a pro this year.

“If you picked him in fantasy, you got a steal.”

Another familiar face is set to join the Riders’ starting receiver group this week as Jerreth Sterns appears set to make his first game-day appearance since Aug. 8. Sterns has appeared in nine games this season and has hauled in 25 catches for 324 yards but no touchdowns.

Running back Ryquell Armstead (shoulder) did not participate while AJ Ouellette (hip) was limited again. Frankie Hickson appears set to start the game — his seventh of the season.

On defence, linebacker C.J. Reavis (knee) returned to practice after missing last week’s game.