Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released international running back Shakir Bell and national running back Kienan LaFrance, the team announced on Thursday.
Bell, who was set to become a free agent on February 13, did not start a game for the Riders last season after signing with Saskatchewan in November of 2017.
The 25-year-old Indiana native spent the first two years of his CFL career with the Edmonton Eskimos where he had a combined 181 carries for 1,058 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games.
LaFrance shared the running back duties in Riderville in 2017, suiting up in 13 games and rushing 68 times for 273 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 123 yards and a major score through the air.
Before the 26-year-old Manitoba native joined the Roughriders, he spent two seasons with the Ottawa REDBLACKS (2015-2016) and won the 104th Grey Cup presented by Shaw with the team. LaFrance was an integral part in the REDBLACKS win over the Edmonton Eskimos in the Eastern Final in 2016, rushing for 157 yards and a touchdown in his team’s victory.
