Ajou Ajou had a quick message for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ General Manager earlier this week.

“Hey, Jeremy O’Day, I’m coming home!”

In short order, the 23-year-old receiver was at the airport and destined for Saskatchewan after spending training camp and the pre-season with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

“It’s a great day to be alive,” Ajou, upbeat as always, said after Friday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.

“It’s bittersweet (after being released), but I’m coming home to some fans and some people who love me.

“I’m all for it. I’m happy.”

In three NFL pre-season games, Ajou caught four passes for 27 yards — barely a year after being chosen by Saskatchewan in the seventh round of the 2024 CFL Draft.

During an impressive rookie season with the Roughriders, he piqued the interest of several NFL teams. He ultimately signed with the Colts on Jan. 24, two days after the Roughriders released him so he could pursue an NFL opportunity.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. “Go on Google and do a search of how many people make it to the NFL. It’s 0.1 per cent or whatever. I got to be part of that 0.1 per cent, for OTAs, rookie mini-camp, training camp.

“I just look at it as a blessing in disguise. I learned a lot. I’ll just keep working.”

That was his mindset on Friday, during the Roughriders’ final full practice before Sunday’s Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).

Despite a tight turnaround, Ajou hopes to play on Sunday.

“Are we wearing green right now?! Of course!” he said with a laugh.

“I’m just trying to get back in the playbook. We’ll see what happens. Short notice like that is definitely going to be difficult, but I’m not going to stop asking, though.”

INJURY UPDATE

The path is cleared for Mario Alford to return as the Roughriders’ primary returner after he missed five games with a hip injury.

Alford, a full participant in practice throughout the week, is listed as available for Sunday’s game.

“For this game, I know it means a lot to him,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “It means a lot to Rider Nation to see him out there.

“He’s Super Mario for a reason. To get him back out there and to allow him to do what he does, whether that’s changing field position or putting points on the board, it’s crucial for us as a team.

“He knows what his role is and the part he plays to help us win games. We’re lucky to have him and looking forward to seeing him work.”

Drae McCray, who handled most of the punt and kickoff returns in Alford’s absence, is listed as “out” on the Roughriders’ latest injury report.

McCray (head) joins offensive lineman Daniel Johnson (shoulder) and safety Nelson Lokombo (ankle) on the list of players who will not be available for Sunday.

Defensive back Marcus Sayles (hip) and receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (knee) are listed as questionable.

Alford, kicker Brett Lauther (personal), offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick (personal), linebacker Nick Wiebe (knee) and quarterback Jack Coan (hand) are available.

RIDERS FAMILY EXPANDS

Lauther and his wife, Jill, are the proud parents of a daughter. Townes Mary Ann Lauther was born on Wednesday.

Height: 51.7 centimetres.

Weight: Eight pounds, two ounces.

“I’m happy for them,” Mace said. “We’re part of the dad club. We’re both girl dads.

“She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s walking into a couple of good parents.

“The guys are happy for him. I’m happy for him. Awesome.”

SELLIN’ MELONS

Mace concluded Friday’s media session with a plea to the fans.

“I have yet to yet to see watermelons on people’s heads,” he said. “I don’t know what happened with that. That was a thing. I remember that.

“I’m expecting to see that. I want to see watermelons. I want them sold out in the whole province.”

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