The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks will feature backup quarterbacks Saturday at Mosaic Stadium, as both teams rest their starters ahead of the playoffs.
Jack Coan will make his first CFL start for Saskatchewan, replacing Trevor Harris. The 27-year-old Notre Dame alumnus has been a Rider for three seasons, appearing in 40 games but throwing a pass in only three of them. His record in those limited appearances is 14 completions on 31 attempts for 153 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Before joining Saskatchewan, Coan played in the XFL with the San Antonio Brahmas in 2023, starting seven of eight games and throwing for 1,471 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions.
“I haven’t played in a long time, consistently, but I think I can still go do it,” Coan said Friday. “I’m excited.”
Edmonton’s Taylor Powell, 28, will start under centre in place of Cody Fajardo. Powell has four CFL seasons of experience, three with Hamilton before joining Edmonton as a free agent this offseason. He has completed 255 passes for 2,874 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His last CFL start was August 17, 2024—more than two years ago.
“It’s awesome to be able to get all the reps,” Powell told reporters. “Just to get all the nuances of the gameplan down and to be able to play fast with the fellas.”
Beyond the quarterback position, both teams are resting multiple players. Saskatchewan is sitting seven starters including running back A.J. Ouellette, receiver KeeSean Johnson, and several offensive and defensive linemen. Edmonton has 12 players out, including defensive end Malik Carney and tackle Tyrell Ford.
The game holds significant playoff implications, particularly for Saskatchewan. Edmonton, as the top seed in the West Division, has already secured hosting the West Final on November 7. Saskatchewan is clinched into the playoffs but faces uncertainty about its seeding. A win keeps them as the third seed and sends them to play the British Columbia Lions. A loss forces a crossover to the East Division for a semifinal against Toronto.
CFL analyst Wes Cates noted the strategic considerations: “It bugs me because I want to see this offence get on the right foot and show us a little more than they have the last month or so. But if you’re looking at who your opponents are going to be, I think you would much rather play a Toronto team than to play the hottest team in the CFL right now, the B.C. Lions.”
Both coaches have emphasized their commitment to winning regardless of roster changes. “We’re playing to win. That’s what we do,” said Edmonton head coach Mark Kiliam. Saskatchewan head coach Craig Mace called it an opportunity to reward younger players while competing for playoff position.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Mosaic Stadium on TSN, CTV, and Crave.
Key facts
- Jack Coan makes his CFL starting debut for Saskatchewan, replacing rested starter Trevor Harris
- Taylor Powell starts for Edmonton in place of Cody Fajardo; his last CFL start was over two years ago
- Saskatchewan’s win keeps them as third seed facing B.C. Lions; a loss sends them to the East Division to face Toronto
- Edmonton has already clinched the top West Division seed and will host the West Final