Milligan Jr. hits 6-game injured list, Lokombo out against Calgary

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Rolan Milligan (right) tackles B.C. Lions running back James Butler (20) during the second half of the CFL West Division final football action in Regina, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

We now know the extent of the injuries to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ secondary as Rolan Milligan Jr. will miss extended time, according to the team.

With the release of its depth chart for Saturday’s game against the Calgary Stampeders, the Riders confirmed Milligan Jr. was moved to the six-game injured list and will be out of the lineup until at least August.

Named the 2024 CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year, Milligan Jr. exited Saskatchewan’s season opener late in the second quarter after delivering a hit on Lions’ receiver Justin McInnis.

While Milligan Jr. made the play, he appeared to favour his right shoulder and remained on the turf for a few moments. He walked off the field on his own power.

After the defensive back was checked by team staff on the sidelines in a medical tent, he walked to the locker room - alone - just before halftime.

Milligan Jr. was seen on the sideline at the start of the second half out of his uniform and his right shoulder wrapped.

In his starting spot is rookie JuJu Hughes, who will make his first CFL start against the Stamps.

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Also moved to the six-game IL is long snapper Aaron Crawford. Newly signed Mike Benson was added to the roster this week to replace the Saint Mary’s alum.

While detrimental but still positive, safety Nelson Lokombo is not expected to miss as much time, as he was moved to the injured list.

However, it appears Lokombo will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis – as he is on the one-game injured list.

Former Regina Ram Jaxon Ford will start at safety Saturday. Newcomer Jonathan Edouard will back-up Ford and may see some special teams reps.

Also out is Jayden Dalke, with a hand injury.

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Offensive lineman Daniel Johnson returns to the lineup for his first regular season game of 2026 after playing seven games in 2025.

Saskatchewan’s contest against the Stampeders is scheduled to kickoff Saturday at 5 p.m. Sask. time on TSN.