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 is also planning to honour Bhishma Rajyaguru, who was also killed in the same incident.
Dalke, 30, and Rajyaguru, 22, both from Regina, died in a two-vehicle collision on Saturday evening near Lumsden, approximately 30 km north of Regina. According to RCMP, Dalke 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 underway.
The team learned of the accident and Dalke’s death on Sunday, during what was scheduled to be their first practice after a bye week. Practice was cancelled that day, but the team returned to the field on Monday to prepare for the upcoming game against the Elks.
Team Focuses Amidst Grief
While many players chose not to discuss the accident, quarterback Trevor Harris shared his thoughts on the past few days. Harris noted that it has been a challenging week, but the team recognizes their responsibilities. He indicated that the team believes Dalke would want them to continue their work, and a strong spirit has been present within the team regarding their objectives.
Linebacker Jameer Thurman spoke about honouring Dalke, who was in his fifth season with the Riders, and the importance of teammates supporting each other while performing on the field. Thurman mentioned that Dalke would not want them to be despondent, and that he believes Dalke is watching over them, holding them accountable. He emphasized that the team is playing for Dalke, for each other, and for their families, expressing love for the Dalke family.
The Riders have announced plans to hold a tribute for Dalke before Thursday’s game, as stated by general manager Jeremy O’Day. The team also confirmed on Tuesday night that they will honour Rajyaguru in a pre-game ceremony at Mosaic Stadium and are collaborating with his family to determine the best way to offer support.
The CFL club issued a statement describing Rajyaguru as a skilled percussionist with a deep love for music, whose passion left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The statement extended condolences to his family, friends, and all those grieving his loss.
Upcoming Matchup Against Elks
The Elks enter Thursday’s game with a 5-1 record, holding a two-point advantage over the Riders, who are 4-1. Edmonton’s strong start is attributed to a balanced offence and a revitalized defence. The Elks’ defence leads the league in points allowed per game, with 23.0, and has a turnover ratio of plus-11.
The Elks’ secondary has been particularly effective, recording 10 interceptions in their last three games. This includes four picks in a 40-17 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on July 9, and another four in a 19-17 win against the B.C. Lions on July 17.
Defensive back Kenneth Logan Jr. highlighted that the secondary’s recent success is a collective effort, focusing on details. He noted that the defensive line is generating pressure on quarterbacks, allowing the secondary to make plays. Logan also mentioned the team’s belief in coaching and consistent practice drills to ensure they are prepared when the ball comes their way. He added that the players have been playing together for multiple games, fostering mutual belief and trust, and enjoy getting the ball back to their high-powered offence.
Rolan Milligan is set to return to the Saskatchewan lineup after sustaining a separated shoulder in the season opener against B.C.
The Elks’ 5-1 start marks their best since 2017, when they began the season with a 7-0 record. This performance suggests a potential end to their five-season playoff drought, which is the longest in franchise history.
In terms of team history, Harris surpassed former Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo last week to claim sixth place on Saskatchewan’s all-time passing yards list. Harris has accumulated 10,716 yards with the Riders, while Fajardo recorded 10,632 yards during his three seasons with Saskatchewan from 2019 to 2022.
The Riders’ receiving trio of KeeSean Johnson, Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Samuel Emilus has accounted for 1,314 of Saskatchewan’s 1,629 passing yards this season, representing 81 per cent of the total.
The game against the Elks is scheduled for Thursday.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
