‘Not close enough’: KeeSean Johnson ruled out for Riders in West Final

Riders receiver KeeSean Johnson continues to be sidelined by a knee injury.

Despite attempts to be in the lineup this week, Saskatchewan Roughriders’ receiver KeeSean Johnson has been ruled out for Saturday’s Western Division Final against the B.C. Lions.

“It was a tough decision,” head coach Corey Mace told reporters ahead of the game. “[Johnson] was very, very close.”

Johnson was one of two Roughrider receivers to reach 1000 yards receiving this season, finishing 1,159 yards on 86 catches and four touchdowns.

He left Saskatchewan’s Week 19 game against the Toronto Argonauts with a knee injury and has not played since.

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“Ultimately, we had Joe Robustelli who’s healthy,” Mace said. “For us, I understand the lure of it, but we want to put together the best team we feel gives us the option to win this game.”

“KeeSean, he’s close. Just not close enough,” the coach added.

After missing the first day back at practice this week, Johnson was a limited participant as he worked to be well enough to get back in the lineup.

“I just have to keep working,” the receiver said Wednesday, before being ruled out. “In the training room, on the field and get back to feeling comfortable.”

Here is a list of the other Riders who are returning to the lineup after being on the injured list to end the season:

• Rolan Milligan Jr., DB
• Jaxon Ford, DB
• Tommy Stevens, QB
• Joe Robustelli, WR
• Dohnte Meyers, WR
• Brett Lauther, K
• Nick Wiebe, LB
• Zack Fry, OL
• Trevon Tate, OL

Kickoff on Saturday is 5:30 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium and on TSN.