‘Gearing that way’: Riders hopeful KeeSean Johnson, Tommy Stevens will play again this season

KeeSean Johnson Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace is hopeful receiver KeeSean Johnson will return to the lineup before the end of the season.

Johnson left Friday night’s win against the Argonauts in the first quarter with a knee injury. He was taken to the locker room for further evaluation and did not return to the game.

The 1,000-yard receiver has missed each of the team’s practices this week.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

The Riders have also been without short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens for the past two games with a knee injury.

“I can’t answer in totality, but I would say it is definitely geared towards we’re going to be seeing those guys,” Mace told reporters following the team’s practice Tuesday. “But as anything with injuries, you never know there’s potential setbacks etcetera, but we’re gearing that way.”

The Roughriders clinched first place in the West Division with Friday’s win, earning them the honour of hosting the division final on Nov. 8.

It also allows the team to rest some players to ensure they are healthy for the playoffs.

Over the past two practices, many Saskatchewan starters have been non - or limited participants for various reasons, including load management.

Among them is quarterback Trevor Harris, who did take some snaps Tuesday but was limited with the first team offence.

Back-up Jake Maier has been taking the majority of reps so far this week.

Saskatchewan’s next test is Friday night on the road in Winnipeg.

Final roster decisions for that game are expected Thursday morning.