Roughriders prepare for Elks game amid emotions
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing for their CFL game against the Edmonton Elks on Thursday, following the recent death of teammate Jayden Dalke. The team returned to practice on Monday after a bye week, having cancelled a session on Sunday when players learned of the accident. Quarterback Trevor Harris noted the week has been challenging for the team.
Jayden Dalke and Bhishma Rajyaguru, a 22-year-old from Regina, died in a two-vehicle collision on Saturday evening near Lumsden, approximately 30 kilometres north of Regina. According to RCMP, Dalke, 30, was driving a silver SUV northbound in the southbound lane of a divided highway when it collided with Rajyaguru’s black SUV. No passengers were in either vehicle. RCMP reported that alcohol and cannabis were found in Dalke’s vehicle, and autopsies and toxicology tests are currently being conducted.
Linebacker Jameer Thurman, who sat next to Dalke in meetings for the past two years, spoke about honouring his teammate. He emphasized that the team believes Dalke would want them to continue playing and supporting each other. Thurman stated that the players are not only playing for Dalke but also for each other and their families, expressing love for the Dalke family.
Pre-game tributes planned
The Roughriders announced on Tuesday night that they will honour Bhishma Rajyaguru in a pre-game ceremony at Mosaic Stadium. The club released a statement describing Rajyaguru as a gifted percussionist with a deep love for music, whose passion left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The team is also working with his family to provide support.
General manager Jeremy O’Day confirmed that the team plans to hold a tribute for Dalke before Thursday’s game. The upcoming game against the Elks is anticipated as a first-place showdown, with many awaiting to see how the team manages the emotional impact of the weekend’s events.
Elks enter contest with strong record
The Edmonton Elks enter the game with a 5-1 record, holding a two-point advantage over the Roughriders, who are 4-1. The Elks’ strong start is attributed to a balanced offence and a revitalized defence, which leads the league in points allowed per game and turnover ratio. Their secondary has been particularly effective, recording 10 interceptions in their last three games.
Defensive back Kenneth Logan Jr. highlighted the team’s focus on details and the collective effort of the defence. He noted the strong play of the defensive line in pressuring quarterbacks and the secondary’s commitment to coaching and drills. Logan Jr. also mentioned the trust and belief within the team, emphasizing their goal to create turnovers and spark the offence.
Rolan Milligan Jr., who was recognized as the CFL’s outstanding defensive player in 2024, is set to return to the Saskatchewan lineup after sustaining a shoulder injury in the season opener against B.C. The Elks’ 5-1 start marks their best since 2017, when they began the season 7-0. This performance suggests a potential end to their five-season playoff drought, which is the longest in franchise history.
Harris surpassed Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo last week, moving to sixth on Saskatchewan’s all-time passing yards list. Harris has accumulated 10,716 yards with the Roughriders, while Fajardo had 10,632 yards during his three seasons with Saskatchewan from 2019 to 2022. This season, Saskatchewan receivers KeeSean Johnson, Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Samuel Emilus have combined for 1,314 of the team’s 1,629 passing yards.
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Source: theglobeandmail.com
