Jimmy jeong/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The TSN CFL Fantasy game is easy for any fan to play, with just seven roster spots and a $40,000 salary cap.
However, success requires, at a bare minimum, knowledge of which star players are sitting due to injury. With such small rosters, a wasted spot on a player who isn’t in the lineup can be a devastating blow to your week’s score.
Meanwhile, the more dedicated Fantasy player will want to keep close tabs on who’s practising with the first-team offence. Practice reports can be the source of hidden gems that produce big numbers despite low ownership percentage, providing an edge over the rest of the field.
With that, CFL.ca breaks down some of the critical roster notes for each game.
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Toronto at Calgary
Friday | 9:00 p.m. ET
Eric Rogers, WR, CGY
Stampeders top receiver Eric Rogers ($7,790) will remain sidelined vs. the Toronto Argonauts Friday night. Rogers returned to practice this week and appeared to be trending towards a return, but the Stamps have opted to play it safe. Markeith Ambles ($2,500) will slot in his place.
DaVaris Daniels, WR, CGY
According to Danny Austin, the Stamps are hoping to have injured receiver DaVaris Daniels ($6,861) back in their lineup some time around the end of the regular season. Daniels was the team’s impromptu number one before injuring his collarbone two weeks ago in Hamilton. Make sure he’s out of your lineup.
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
Don Jackson ($6,565) is listed as the Stampeders’ starting running back for Week 16. It’s a complicated situation, as the team has three healthy backs for the first time since the start of the season — but only two are likely to suit up. Any sort of time share between Jackson and Romar Morris ($5,754) would hinder both of their value.
Romar Morris, RB, CGY
Despite a crowded backfield, Romar Morris ($5,754) has a good chance to play Friday night vs. Toronto. The Stamps will choose two of their three healthy running backs, with one handling the bulk of returns. A committee backfield is never Fantasy friendly, but a one-sided win on Friday — which many are expecting — would mean plenty of volume for whoever’s involved.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
Usually the Stamps’ primary returner and change of pace back, there’s a good chance Terry Williams ($4,316) will be scratched for Friday night’s game in Calgary. The emergence of Romar Morris ($5,754) and the return of Don Jackson ($6,565) have made for a crowded backfield in Cowtown, and a major headache for Fantasy users.
Duron Carter, WR, TOR
Duron Carter ($3,371) is back in the Argos’ starting lineup for Friday night’s game vs. Calgary. Carter made his first start last week, but spent much of the second half on the bench during the team’s 30-29 loss to Saskatchewan. He should see playing time increase as the comfort level grows, but Carter remains a high-risk proposition.
Branden Burks, RB, TOR
After spelling James Wilder Jr. ($8,309) throughout last week’s contest, Branden Burks ($2,500) is out of the lineup for the Argos. Instead it will be former NFL Pro Bowl returner Dexter McCluster ($2,500) being inserted on offence.
Dexter McCluster, WR, TOR
The Argos have activated Dexter McCluster ($2,500) for Friday night’s game vs. Calgary. McCluster should see his first CFL touches after the former NFL Pro Bowl returner signed with the Boatmen earlier this season, though he’s not listed as a returner this week, diminishing his Fantasy value for now. There are probably better options.
BC at Hamilton
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET
Brandon Banks, WR, HAM
Ticats leading receiver Brandon Banks ($10,614) is expected to return to the Ticats’ lineup Saturday vs. BC. Banks’ absence was certainly felt over the last two games, which he missed because of an injured groin. Groin injuries can be tricky, we can’t imagine they’d rush him back if he wasn’t ready.
Alex Green, RB, HAM
The Ticats will continue to be without Alex Green ($9,342), who’s on the six-game injured list. John White ($3,953) is an affordable replacement and should see opportunities in the Ticats’ rushing attack.
Terrence Toliver, WR, HAM
Ticats receiver Terrence Toliver ($4,341) is expected to play Saturday vs. BC, says Head Coach June Jones. Toliver was reportedly on concussion protocol after leaving last week’s game, but has apparently passed all the necessary tests to get back in the game.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
Jeremiah Johnson ($6,879) is expected to remain the Lions’ starting running back for Week 16. The recent addition of Tyrell Sutton ($6,043) shakes up the Lions’ backfield, but Sutton’s debut will likely wait at least another week. Expect to see a motivated Johnson on Saturday in Hamilton as his production will be critical to him staying in the lineup.
Tyrell Sutton, RB, BC
Days after being traded, Tyrell Sutton ($6,043) is not likely to make his debut Saturday when the Lions travel to Hamilton to take on the Ticats. Sutton should have a significant Fantasy impact down the road, but for now the Lions’ backfield goes through starter Jeremiah Johnson ($6,879).
Winnipeg at Edmonton
Saturday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Andrew Harris, RB, WPG
The Bombers expect to have Andrew Harris ($7,822) start at running back on Saturday vs. Edmonton. Harris left last week’s game with a lower body injury and missed practice early in the week, but has since returned. He’s got an A-1 matchup against one of the league’s worst run defences.
Darvin Adams, WR, WPG
After missing practice early in the week, Darvin Adams ($6,547) returned to the field on Wednesday and is expected to start vs. Edmonton. The Bombers’ offence is dealing with several injuries, but they don’t appear to be serious and shouldn’t affect the lineup for Saturday’s game.
Nic Demski, WR, WPG
Nic Demski ($4,201) is questionable for Saturday’s matchup with the Eskimos. Demski has been a spectator at practice throughout much of the week, though Head Coach Mike O’Shea wouldn’t rule him out.
Daniel Petermann, WR, WPG
Daniel Petermann ($2,500) is expected to get the start if Nic Demski ($4,201) can’t go for the Bombers this weekend. The 2018 CFL Draft pick might be worth the gamble this week if he plays, as he’s been productive every time he’s been on the field.
Martese Jackson, RB, EDM
Martese Jackson ($3,583) has eked out a pretty nice role with his new team, returning kicks and even getting three touches on offence in his first game. If Jackson is the primary running back to spell off C.J. Gable ($7,260), which he was in Week 15, he should exceed his value as a high-floor, high-upside option.
Saskatchewan at Montreal
Sunday | 1:00 p.m. ET
Naaman Roosevelt, WR, SSK
The Riders will be without Naaman Rosoevelt ($5,416) this week when they take on the Montreal Alouettes. Roosevelt’s injury isn’t considered serious, but the team isn’t taking any chances with its No. 1 receiver. Word is that Kenny Shaw ($2,500) will take his place and will be available in the game closer to kickoff.
BJ Cunningham, WR, MTL
According to Didier Orméjuste, Als receiver BJ Cunningham ($4,774) has missed two practices this week and is questionable for Sunday’s game vs. Saskatchewan. Because it’s the last game of the week, Fantasy users may want to err on the side of caution and just avoid him altogether.
