THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA -- Kelly Bates is going to have to wait to make his Saskatchewan Roughriders debut.

The Riders placed the six-foot-three, 293-pound veteran offensive lineman on the nine-game injured list Thursday. Bates, a native of Humbodlt, Sask., signed with Saskatchewan as a free agent in the off-season.

The decision to place Bates on the injured list came as the Riders released 11 players to reduce their roster to 46 players as of 3 p.m. ET. Among the players let go was receiver Obed Cetoute, who was obtained from the Toronto Argonauts earlier this month for offensive lineman Jonathan St. Pierre.

Bates, 34, played with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies before being selected in the fourth round, 32nd overall, by B.C. in the 2001 CFL Canadian college draft. Bates spent seven seasons with the Lions before being dealt to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in May 2009.

Also released were defensive backs Ladarius Key and Willie Byrd, receivers Aaron Fairooz and Cary Koch, linebackers Kye Stewart and Christian Houle, defensive linemen Ikenna Ike, Ryan Lucas, Josh Miller and Joe Sykes.

The Riders will announce Saturday what players will be on its practice roster.