The Saskatchewan Roughriders faced a tough setback over the weekend, losing a closely contested game against the Edmonton Elks, 27-25, at Commonwealth Stadium. The matchup, marked by lead changes and nail-biting moments, saw the Roughriders unable to capitalize on their chances, leading to their second consecutive defeat.
Quarterback Cody Fajardo had a solid performance, throwing for 305 yards and completing 18 of 23 passes. However, it was the Elks' Justin Rankin who stole the show, scoring two crucial fourth-quarter touchdowns to keep Edmonton's playoff hopes afloat. The Elks have now improved to 6-9, while the Roughriders, leading the West Division with a 10-4 record, are feeling the pressure after back-to-back losses.
The game reached a fever pitch in its closing moments. With just one second remaining, the Roughriders managed to slice the Elks' lead to two points thanks to a touchdown pass from Fajardo to Tommy Stevens. However, their attempt for a two-point conversion to tie the game and force overtime fell short, sealing their fate.
This defeat raises concerns for the Roughriders as they look to regain their winning momentum in the final stretch of the season. Their recent form has been a stark contrast to their earlier dominance, and coach Craig Dickenson expressed urgency for the team to regroup. With the Calgary Stampeders and B.C. Lions hot on their heels, the Roughriders will need to find solutions quickly to secure their playoff berth.
In addition to their on-field struggles, the Roughriders also made headlines off the field by releasing Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka, who had played seven games this season. The team is looking to shake things up as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Ottawa Redblacks.
As the CFL season reaches its final weeks, the Roughriders face a critical juncture. Their ability to bounce back from these recent losses will determine their path as they aim for a deep playoff run. With key players like Fajardo and running back Ouellette, who recently surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, the potential for a turnaround remains within reach.