Photo: Saskatchewan Roughriders

Backup quarterback Jake Maier will make his second start of the 2025 season when the Saskatchewan Roughriders face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday.

Veteran starter Trevor Harris remains on the roster as the team’s third-stringer, but will not play after the team clinched first place in the West Division last week. That means Maier will handle the quarterback duties, with youngster Jack Coan potentially seeing time as a backup.

Maier started in Week 4 for the Riders while Harris was out with a head injury. He completed 13-of-23 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 37-18 victory versus the B.C. Lions, who started backup Jeremiah Masoli at QB.

In addition to Harris, running back A.J. Ouellette, right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, receiver Samuel Emilus, and defensive tackle Micah Johnson will all be rested for load management. Defensive back Marcus Sayles (ankle) and receiver KeeSean Johnson (knee) will sit out with injuries.

Mario Anderson Jr. will draw into the lineup and get the start at running back, while fellow rookie Darius Washington gets the nod at right tackle, and Braydon Noll is set to start at centre with Logan Ferland backing him up. Shawn Bane Jr. will dress for the third time this year and get his first start at receiver, with Canadians Dhel Duncan-Busby and Ajou Ajou also getting upgraded to starter status.

Defensively, Caleb Sanders will start at defensive tackle, while Canadian cornerback Tevaughn Campbell makes his return from injury. Special teams ace Aubrey Miller Jr. is also back for linebacker depth, while American rookie Chico Bennett Jr. will make his first appearance as part of the defensive end rotation.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-4) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-8) at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, October 17, with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. EDT. The Riders are coming off a win over Toronto that allowed them to clinch first place in the West Division, while the Blue Bombers lost to Edmonton, failing to clinch a playoff spot in the process.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 11 degrees with rainy conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 620 CKRM in Regina and 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.

Graphic courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders