5 things to watch in Saskatchewan's pre-season game against Winnipeg
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to open their CFL pre-season this weekend.
Before the Green and White begin the 2025 regular season on June 5 against the Ottawa Redblacks, Saskatchewan will play a pair of exhibition games against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The first pre-season contest is this Saturday in Winnipeg (2 p.m., Princess Auto Stadium, CFL+) while the rematch will be in Regina on May 30 (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium, CFL+). Final roster cuts will then be made on May 31 before Week 1 of the season.
As for the opening pre-season game, there are plenty of storylines to watch for when it comes to the Roughriders lineup.
While many of the starters including quarterback Trevor Harris and running back A.J. Ouellette are listed on the depth chart, how much they will play hasn't been made clear by head coach Corey Mace.
Typically the starters play a large portion of the second pre-season game, which also happens to be a home game for Saskatchewan, so it's expected the veterans will play in a limited capacity this Saturday before seeing more of the field in the second exhibition contest.
While many of the starters are listed atop the depth chart, there are a few notable names who won't make the trip to Winnipeg this weekend including right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, defensive tackle Micah Johnson, defensive end Shane Ray, safety Nelson Lokombo and linebackers C.J. Reavis and C.J. Avery.
We know Ouellette will be the starting running back in Week 1 of the season, but who will be his backup?
Canadian Thomas Bertrand-Hudon is likely pencilled in as the primary backup given his special teams talents and Canadian passport, there's also room for a third running back, which will likely be an American practice roster spot.
With last year's backups Frankie Hickson and Ryquell Armstead no longer with the team, that spot could be between Trent Pennix and Mario Anderson, who have both looked good in camp and will look to continue that in game action.
The Roughriders have many returning receivers including starters Samuel Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker and KeeSean Johnson. However, there's room for a few younger players to either crack the lineup or cement their spot in the group.
Shawn Bane Jr. is working his way back from injury which means Dohnte Meyers could get more of an opportunity in his second season. Or will he be pushed by fellow American Joe Robustelli, who has had a good camp after spending the 2024 season on the practice roster? There are a number of other American rookies who will look to rise to the occasion this pre-season.
As for the Canadians, Dhel Duncan-Busby looked great when his number was called late last season, which means he could be battling for a starting spot, while the veteran Mitch Picton can always be called upon, although he won't play Saturday. Tommy Nield was brought in this off-season and he's proven he can play while D'Sean Mimbs had solid numbers during his career with the University of Regina.
While there's only one ball to go around, the Roughriders have a strong cast of quarterbacks who will allow these guys to make plays.
While the Roughriders re-signed Mario Alford this off-season, could there be an up-and-comer who will push to take over the primary return duties?
Meyers got some opportunities to return last pre-season and could see his number called again this year, although he could see more action with the starting offence.
Receiver Drae McCray is another name to keep an eye on throughout the pre-season.
Quarterback is always an interesting position to watch during the pre-season but it falls lower on the list this year given the fact that the Roughriders depth chart has been pretty much decided at this position.
Harris will be the Week 1 starter while Jake Maier is expected to be the primary backup, followed by Tommy Stevens who will handle short-yardage duties. That leaves last year's third-stringer Jack Coan potentially heading to the practice roster unless he can force the issue and make a case to get on the roster.
When it comes to the defence, the starting lineup is pretty much set. But there are still backup spots up for grabs and maybe a starting spot to be decided.
Along the defensive line, the Riders have plenty of depth with Micah Johnson and Mike Rose set to man the middle with Caleb Sanders, Charbel Dabire and Ali Saad set to back them up. At defensive end, Malik Carney will hope for a better season this year while the Roughriders hope Ray can get back on the field after he's missed several camp workouts. With 13 defensive linemen set to play on Saturday, who will make a case to also earn more playing time in 2025?
Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen is making his case to start at weakside linebacker with American C.J. Avery. Jayden Dalke, who has played safety throughout his CFL career, is also reportedly getting a look at linebacker this year.
With Jameer Thurman and C.J. Reavis anchoring the middle and strongside respectively, the Riders have few questions to answer in the middle of their defence.
In the defensive backfield, while the starting group is potentially set with Lokombo, Marcus Sayles, Rolan Milligan Jr. and DaMarcus Fields returning with newcomer Tevaughn Campbell at cornerback, there's some depth spots that could be up for grabs if someone rises to the occassion.
tshire@postmedia.com
Roughriders suffer more injuries along offensive line
Rider Rumblings Ep 161: Roughriders pre-season preview
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