Kian Schaffer-Baker of the Saskatchewan Roughriders recently underwent hip surgery to fix a torn labrum. He is likely to miss the “first few weeks” of the 2023 CFL season according to Riderville.com’ Rob Vanstone. The Riders open the regular season on the road against the Edmonton Elks on June 11th.

The soon to be 25-year old wide receiver led the Roughriders in both touchdowns and receiving yards with 5 touchdowns and 960 receiving yards in 2022. His strong season led to an interest from south of the border. Several NFL teams were shown to have been interested in signing Schaffer-Baker. He ultimately worked out for nine NFL teams including the Super Bowl LV champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Mississauga-native had one of the most successful seasons for Canadian receivers in 2022. Only the Toronto Argonaut’s Kurleigh Gittens Jr. had better statistics than Schaffer-Baker for Canadian receivers. Gittens Jr. also had 5 touchdowns but managed over 1000 receiving yards last season.

The Roughriders are looking to improve their eniemec offense from last season and bounce back into form in 2023. Schaffer-Baker’s injury will be a large challenge for the Riders to start the season. The Riders will have to lean on WR Jake Wieneke early in the season if they want to turn things around.