WINNIPEG — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have been preparing for this game all season long, and they’re taking an ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ approach to their line-up for the 112th Grey Cup.
The Green and White are making two changes to their roster heading into Sunday’s Canadian Football League championship game, with both coming in the receiving group.
Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou will get the start on the weak side of the field and will be backed up by Mitch Picton after both players were sidelined in Saskatchewan’s epic Western Final win over the B.C. Lions.
Ajou has caught 22 of 38 passes thrown his way for 212 yards in eight games since returning from the NFL, while the Regina product Picton suited up for 14 games this season and caught 20 of 29 targets for 226 yards.
Ajou’s start comes as Joe Robustelli, who tried to fight through concussion symptoms this week and was limited in practice, was ruled out on Friday.
It was also a tough turn of events for 1,000-yard receiver KeeSean Johnson, as he attempted to return to practice this week in Winnipeg after suffering a knee injury back in Week 19 but was unable to go.
Picton takes over for Dhel Duncan-Busby, who is a healthy scratch.
Other than those changes, it’s all systems go for a team that has seen a myriad of injuries at every position group this season — both the offensive and defensive lines feature regular starters across the board, and the previously banged up defensive back group is once again completely intact.
The Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network will have all the action from the 112th Grey Cup, beginning with the pre-game show with Dave Thomas, Luc Mullinder, Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 2 p.m., followed by the game call at 5 p.m.
