REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders won the CFL’s first game of the 2025 season, but it was a costly 31-26 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

The Roughriders lost four starters to injury, including three in the first 17 minutes of Thursday’s game.

Receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker appeared to injure his left ankle, tailback A.J. Ouellette suffered a suspected head injury and defensive back Rolan Milligan left the game with an apparent neck injury.

Offensive lineman Payton Collins in his CFL debut was injured in the third quarter when an Ottawa player rolled up the back of his right leg. None of the four injured ‘Riders returned to the game.

Ottawa scored a touchdown on their first possession of the season. The Redblacks drove 87 yards on 10 plays with backup quarterback Dustin Crum reachi

See Full Page