Aubrey Miller Jr. is on pace for a special achievement.
With 11 special teams tackles one-third of the way into the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ season, he is on pace for a team-record 33 over a full 18 games.
“It’s just another challenge,” the 27-year-old linebacker said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
“I’ve been beating challenges and records since I was a kid, so I’ll let my game play determine whether I get that (record).
“It’s not a goal that I’m setting — just to go and make tackles. If God puts me in the right spot and He blesses me to break the record, we could do that, but my main goal is to win.
“I want to do whatever I can to help the team win. If I gain the opportunity to have a record on the team, thank God for that.”
Miller is tied for second in the league in special teams tackles. Jesulayomi Ojutalayo of the Calgary Stampeders also has 11. Calgary’s Kelon Thomas leads the league with 12.
Thomas and Ojutalayo have both played in 12 games — one more than Miller.
Saskatchewan’s single-season record of 32 special teams stops was eclipsed by Ray Bernard in 1992. He eclipsed the standard of 30 that was set by Dan Rashovich in 1987.
Miller is to return to action on Saturday against his original CFL team, the Edmonton Elks, at Commonwealth Stadium.
He had four special teams tackles in five games with the Elks in 2024 before concluding that season with Saskatchewan. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder had eight special teams tackles in seven games as a first-year Roughrider.
Miller Jr. followed up with 14 defensive tackles and five special teams stops in nine regular season games with the 2025 Grey Cup champions. Nine of the defensive tackles were registered in the Roughriders’ regular-season finale.
This season, Miller Jr. has two defensive tackles and a forced fumble to accompany his impressive special teams tackles total.
“He has been bringing it since he got here,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “He’s a leader for us, obviously, on the special teams unit.
“We talk about bringing juice. That’s natural for that guy. You know how he acts and how he plays as well. He’s one of those guys you’re happy is on your team.”
INJURY UPDATE
Receiver Samuel Emilus was a full participant in Thursday’s practice after sitting out the week’s first two sessions with a foot injury. He is listed as questionable for the game in Edmonton.
The following players are listed as out: Defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr. (knee) and Nelson Lokombo (ankle), offensive linemen Zack Fry (knee) and Darius Bell (ankle), and running back A.J. Ouellette (knee).
