Lauther out with injury, Michael Hughes to make first professional start

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are dealing with key injuries in the lead up to Saturday's faceoff against B.C.

Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther will be out of the lineup Saturday in the team’s final regular season contest before playoffs, the Riders announced Thursday.

Lauther, 34, has been dealing with a back injury for the past few weeks, missing one previous game due to the ailment.

He did play in last week’s 17-16 loss in Winnipeg to the Blue Bombers, connecting on three of four on field goal attempts.

In his place, American Michael Hughes will make his first professional football start.

The Appalachian State University product was signed by Saskatchewan on Oct. 7.

In four collegiate seasons, Hughes made 35 of his 42 field goal attempts, his longest at 54 yards.

He also made all 120 of his extra-point attempts.

Hughes also briefly attended NFL training camp with the Cleveland Browns this summer.

Saskatchewan released Campbell Fair on Oct. 12. Fair made one start for the Riders on Oct. 3 against the Ottawa Redblacks where he missed both of his extra-point attempts.

The team is expected to release its full roster for Saturday night’s game against the B.C. Lions Friday morning.