Riders add ratio-breaker in Lafrance

REGINA — National running back Kienan Lafrance has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the team announced Tuesday.

In 2016, Lafrance made his mark on the REDBLACKS offence in the Eastern Final against the Edmonton Eskimos when he slotted into the lineup for the injured Mossis Madu early in the first quarter. In the snow-filled contest, Lafrance rushed for 157 yards while also taking in the game-sealing touchdown, sending the REDBLACKS to the 104th Grey Cup.

In 16 games last season, the University of Manitoba product had 37 carries for 163 yards and 12 receptions for 76 yards and one major score.

Lafrance was drafted by the REDBLACKS in the sixth round, 45th overall in the 2015 CFL Draft. The 25-year-old played in 16 games in his rookie season, collecting six carries for 17 yards.

It’s unknown what role he’ll play in 2017 but the early indication is he’ll get every opportunity to compete for carries. The Riders’ backfield appears to be an open competition as free agent Curtis Steele remains unsigned, while Daniel Thomas and Greg Morris currently reside on the roster.