The numbers, impressive as they are, don’t tell the entire story about Jameer Thurman.

Consider the fact that the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ middle linebacker was a divisional All-CFL selection in 2024 despite playing through a painful injury.

The latest accolades came his way on Wednesday, when he was named the Corey Mace-coached Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Thurman is fourth in the league in defensive tackles, with 85 — nine ahead of his pace from 2024.

“Last year, it was rough playing with a torn bicep most of the year,” Thurman said. “This year, I just wanted to continue to grow with the guys that we had on our team and as a defence.

“In the second year in the system with Mace and everything, I wanted to take that next step. I thought I did a pretty good job.

“There were some plays that I still could have made, but I think we did a pretty good job of setting the standard as a defence. The plays that came our way, we made. That’s why we’re the Number 1 defence in the league.”

The Roughriders have allowed the fewest points per game (22.5) and yards of net offence (an average of 339.2) in the nine-team circuit heading into Saturday’s regular-season finale against the B.C. Lions (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).

Along with the 85 tackles (including two for a loss), Thurman enters the game with three sacks, three interceptions, three pass knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

“I understand statistics and what things look like but, to me, you’ve just got to look at the timing of when some of those plays are made,” noted Mace, who doubles as the Roughriders’ Defensive Co-ordinator.

“He always makes big plays in huge moments. You need excellent players to do that and he’s certainly that.

“He’s a defensive captain, team captain. He’s the ultimate communicator. He’s an effort guy … a physical force. He’s able to go get the ball, too.

“I’m shocked that he actually doesn’t get more recognition than he has gotten to this point. I think people in this province understand what he brings to the team and certainly his teammates do, and the staff does as well.

“He’s one of the best linebackers in the league and has been (for a long time), in my opinion.”

Thurman, who made his CFL debut in 2017, is up against Mathieu Betts (B.C.), Kordell Jackson (Edmonton Elks), Clarence Hicks (Calgary Stampeders) and Evan Holm (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) in voting for the West Division’s top defensive player.

The East Division nominees are Julian Howsare (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), Cameron Judge (Toronto Argonauts), Jovan Santos-Knox (Ottawa REDBLACKS) and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund (Montreal Alouettes).

Fans are invited to take part in the All-CFL voting process. HERE IS THE LINK. The voting period continues until Sunday.

Divisional finalists for all CFL player awards are to be announced on Oct. 30. Awards are to be presented on Nov. 13 during Grey Cup week in Winnipeg.

“BRAMMER HAS BEEN GREAT”

The right guard has the right stuff.

For confirmation, check out the rave reviews Roughriders offensive lineman Jacob Brammer is receiving.

Quarterback Trevor Harris: “Brammer has been great.”

Right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick: “I can’t play as confidently as I can without my guard having my back. I tell Jacob a lot of times, ‘Be there, baby, because I’m going to swing.’ He has always been there.”

Brammer is flanked by the past two winners of the Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award — Hardrick (2025) and centre Logan Ferland (2024).

The first-team offensive line also includes left tackle Payton Collins, who on Wednesday was named the CFL team’s Most Outstanding Rookie, and left guard Philippe Gagnon.

“It has been a lot of fun to come to work and work with these guys every single day,” Brammer said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.

When Brammer joined the Roughriders in the spring of 2024, he was initially competing to start at left tackle.

He ended up making two starts at right tackle, following a season-ending injury to Hardrick, and started another five games (including two playoff contests) at right guard.

This year, he has been entrenched at the latter position for a Roughriders team that has clinched first place and hosting privileges for the Western Final (Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).

“Our coaching staff and our team are really great,” Brammer said.

“Being in the community, too, the fans make it awesome to come to work. On the weekends, they get to see all the work we put in during the week. It makes it real special.”

FULL NELSON

Eight is enough for Nelson Lokombo.

After missing eight games with a high ankle sprain, he is excited to return to action as the starting safety on Saturday.

“You’re always itching to get back on the field after an injury, so it feels nice,” the former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout said.

“Obviously, it was tough not being out there, but I was still out there every day working to prepare myself like I was playing and just making sure that everybody was sound on their assignments. I helped out in any way that I could.

“It’s good to be back. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

INJURY UPDATE

Lokombo is among several players who are listed as available for Saturday’s game.

Also receiving that designation on Thursday’s injury report are Hardrick (load management), Thurman (back), linebacker Melique Straker (illness), running backs A.J. Ouellette (load management) and Mario Anderson Jr. (knee), defensive linemen Micah Johnson (load management) and Malik Carney (shoulder), receiver Samuel Emilus (load management) and defensive back DaMarcus Fields (arm).

Defensive back Jaxon Ford (knee) is questionable for Saturday’s contest.

Listed as out are kicker Brett Lauther (back), receivers KeeSean Johnson (knee), Dohnte Meyers (ankle) and Joe Robustelli (knee), defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr. (foot/knee) and Marcus Sayles (ankle), quarterback Tommy Stevens (knee), offensive lineman Zack Fry (knee), linebacker Nick Wiebe (back) and defensive lineman Shane Ray (neck).