AVAILABLE.
The one-word designation beside A.J. Ouellette’s name speaks volumes.
After missing 2¼ games with an ankle injury, Ouellette is to suit up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
“I’m smiling out here,” the two-time 1,000-yard rusher said after Friday’s practice.
“I just get to play football. It’s the best.”
The Roughriders are poised to meet a team Ouellette regarded as an arch-rival during his first stop in the CFL. He was a member of the Toronto Argonauts from 2019 to 2023 before signing with Saskatchewan as a free agent.
“It’s crazy how some Hamilton fans are now fans of mine,” Ouellette noted. “They reach out to me and stuff like that.
“I still want to be mean to them, but …”
That is not in his nature, so the exchanges are cordial.
“With the COVID schedule, they had to see me four times (during a 2021 regular season that was shortened to 14 games per team),” Ouellette continued.
“They’re just happy that they don’t have to do that anymore.”
TEXTIN’ SEXTON
An explosive play by Mathew Sexton blew up his phone.
The torrent of text messages followed the 101-yard punt-return touchdown he scored for the Roughriders in last Friday’s 27-22 CFL victory over the host Ottawa REDBLACKS.
“I was hearing from a lot of people back home,” a smiling Sexton said. “There was a lot of love.
“My whole family, my whole hometown, watches every game.”
Sexton is proud to hail from the small Michigan community of Clinton (population: 2,500).
“I’m the only professional athlete currently playing right now from my hometown,” the former Clinton Redwolves and Eastern Michigan Eagles standout said.
“I was the first from my hometown to get a Division 1 full-ride scholarship and then go play in the NFL as well.
“It’s trailblazing type of stuff. It’s one of those things that you don’t really think about, but it’s something that drives me and keeps me moving.”
Sexton’s professional football journey included time spent with five NFL teams. Canada entered the equation when he attended the REDBLACKS’ rookie camp this past May. After a short stint in the nation’s capital, he was signed by Saskatchewan during Coors Light Training Camp.
He instantly made a positive impression, excelling in the pre-season and earning a practice-roster spot.
The 5-foot-10, 176-pounder was elevated to the active roster after James Letcher Jr. suffered an elbow injury in the team’s third game.
Sexton soon became the first player to score on a punt, kickoff or missed field goal return in his regular-season debut with the Roughriders.
In fact, he was the first returner to score in his introductory CFL game since Yonus Davis fielded a kickoff and went 88 yards for B.C. at Edmonton on July 30, 2010.
DEALING WITH DOLEGALA
Jake Dolegala is to start at quarterback for Hamilton on Sunday in place of the injured Bo Levi Mitchell.
Roughriders linebacker Josh Woods has a familiarity with Dolegala. They were teammates with the B.C. Lions in 2024.
“He’s a good guy and he brings good energy,” Woods said of the 6-foot-7 passer. “He’s a tall quarterback, so he can see over the line.
“He has a strong arm and he can whip it, so it will be exciting to play him.”
Dolegala, a Roughrider in 2022 and 2023, started 10 games during his time in Saskatchewan. In 2023, he threw for 2,641 yards and 11 touchdowns.
DISPENSING SOUND ADVICE
Hydration in Rider Nation is a must.
“With warm temperatures expected on Sunday, fans are encouraged to stay hydrated throughout the game,” read a portion of Game Day at a Glance, prepared by Roughriders Communications Intern Hannah Rugg.
“Fans are welcome to bring one empty or sealed reusable water bottle up to one litre in size. Complimentary water-bottle-filling stations are available throughout Mosaic Stadium at all water fountains, including the east concourse, upper east 500 level, upper west 500 level, southwest concourse, two locations on the south concourse, and inside the SportsCage Lounge.
“All water fountains throughout the stadium are equipped with water-bottle-filling stations. Additional water dispensers have been brought in for this game to keep fans hydrated.”
