REGINA - The Saskatchewan Roughriders are back in action at home Thursday night to take on the struggling Edmonton Elks.
The Elks come in to Mosaic Stadium, with a 0-4 record, with much of the speculation this week swirling around how long head coach Chris Jones is going to last if this losing keeps up.
For the Roughriders, coming off a 29-26 double-overtime win in Calgary, this could represent a "trap" game against a seemingly weaker opponent. One of the key storylines going into the game is the injury situation. Despite having a bye week off, the Roughriders still have several players out with injuries: four players are on the one-day injured list and nine are on the six game injured list.
Changes from the Calgary game will see running back Frankie Hickson, defensive back Jayden Dalke, fullback Albert Awachie, offensive lineman Brandon Council and offensive lineman Zack Fry in the lineup, while wide receiver Jake Wieneke, linebacker Matt Dean, linebacker Lukas Ruoss, defensive lineman Peter Godber and offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins are out. Ruoss is on the practice roster; the other four are injured.
While still coming back from the back injury suffered in the opening week's game in Edmonton, quarterback Trevor Harris is again getting the start for the Roughriders with Mason Fine and Shea Patterson listed as backups. During the first four weeks of the season, Harris has led the league in passing with 867 yards and tied for the lead with five passing touchdowns.
For the Elks, Taylor Cornelius will get the start at quarterback.
Throwback Thursday at the stadium
Mosaic Stadium will have an Eighties feel to it on Thursday night as the Roughriders will be donning their retro uniforms and helmets for the game. Two Roughriders legends from the 1989 Grey Cup winning team, Roger Aldag and Bob Poley, will make an appearance at 5:30 p.m. to sign autographs.
At halftime, Saskatchewan's Northern Pikes will perform as part of the Pepsi Summer Concert Series. During Party in the Park, the Eighties rock and roll cover band Vinyl Society will be playing.
Fans are once again being encouraged to arrive early, as major construction continues on Lewvan and Saskatchewan Drive impacting traffic there again. For those who do arrive at the stadium early, the first 5,000 fans will receive free Rider Retro sunglasses.
Game time for Riders-Elks is 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.
