The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be without their starting running back A.J. Ouellette when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium. Ouellette, who suffered an ankle injury in last week's win over the Calgary Stampeders, has been listed as doubtful for the 7 p.m. contest.
Ouellette's status uncertain
Ouellette's availability will be determined Thursday when the team releases its depth chart, according to head coach Corey Mace. "You always just kind of diagnose it off of how serious the injury is," Mace said. "Having him out of the boot and all that other stuff, it's trending the right way. Ultimately, it's what can he do, what do the doctors feel is necessary, and if he's good to go, he's good to go."
Mace acknowledged the early-season context but emphasized the player's health comes first. "Every game is important, but in certain situations, yeah, you look at the totality of it's still really early in the season obviously, but ultimately the player's body will decide that."
Rookie Quali Conley set for first CFL action
If Ouellette cannot play, the Roughriders will turn to American rookie Quali Conley, who is expected to be activated from the practice roster for his first CFL game. Canadian veteran Thomas Bertrand-Hudon will also see increased carries. Conley, 23, was signed by Saskatchewan on May 16 and quickly earned the backup job, recording 11 yards on four carries against Calgary and 32 yards on nine carries against Winnipeg during pre-season.
"The way coach (Andrew) Harris teaches us is you'll know when your numbers call, so just stay ready," Conley said. "Just act like you're the guy and make sure that's your mentality."
Conley attended camp with the Montreal Alouettes before joining the Roughriders. He rushed for 745 yards and eight touchdowns on 15 carries in 12 games at the University of Arizona in 2024 and later had a stint with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, playing in two pre-season games. "I went into the game with no practice," Conley recalled. "Just looked at the playbook and coach coached me all of the stuff I had to remember. At the end, the coaches teach you about the blocking schemes, but once you get out, it's up to you to (make a play). That's what they pay you for, so you have to show them why you're a good player."
Roster moves and other injuries
The Roughriders also added American running back Star Thomas from the University of Tennessee on Wednesday, and he is expected to replace Conley on the practice roster. Meanwhile, Canadian receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby has been ruled out for Friday's game with a shoulder injury. D'Sean Mimbs is expected to start in his place after practicing with the first-team offense this week.
The Roughriders enter the game with a 2-0 record, while the Argonauts are 1-1. Mace praised Conley's rapid assimilation: "He came in late to camp, he digested (the playbook) and worked his tail off to understand and know who to block and to pick up. Obviously, a lot of running backs at this level, you hand them the ball, they're going to know what to do as soon as that gets going up. If it goes down to that and he gets a shot to go, he's been around long enough now to understand."
