The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to the field on Wednesday morning just hours after announcing 10 roster moves.
Head coach Corey Mace admitted there were some difficult decisions.
“We knew that there were going to be some really tough decisions. We really like our depth at a lot of the positions and there isn’t one specific spot. That's why we put everyone on notice," Mace said.
Tough decisions loom on the offensive line with 15 players still competing for jobs. On Wednesday, veteran centre Sean McEwen watched the workout from a chair in the end zone with crutches by his side. Mace said the team is gathering more information on his injury.
“We’re going to get some more eyes on it, but it’s nothing that we are super stressed about. It’s with his leg, and he did some teams and some individual stuff, and it just didn’t sit well with him," Mace said.
Zack Fry and Philippe Gagnon took the majority of reps at centre with McEwen on the sideline. Gagnon said he has worked on it alone, having been primarily a guard for most of his 10-year career.
“I have been the emergency centre for several years now, if you will. It seems weird to say 10 years into my career, but I am a little green to the position," Gagnon said.
The linemen getting the most work on the offensive line were: LT Trevon Tate, LG Jacob Brammer, C Zack Fry/Philippe Gagnon (split reps), RG Logan Ferland, and RT Jermarcus Hardrick.
Also not participating in the workout:
- DB Kosi Onyeka
- LB Seth Hundeby
- DB Dalton Urban
Overall, Mace has been happy with what the team has been doing on the field.
“I’m really excited about how our offence is moving the ball in the run game. Our receivers are seeing it real nice. Defensively, it looks really good. The standard that we have for causing and creating turnovers is still there. I’m pleased that we are putting it out there each day.”
The highlights from the workout:
- Dhonte Meyers hauled in a pair of long passes from Trevor Harris for touchdowns, the first from 50 yards out, the second from the 40-yard line.
- Jake Maier threw a strike to Joe Robustelli for a 30-yard touchdown.
- Officials were on the field for the first time at camp. They helped provide their perspective on offside, pass interference and holding. Throwing numerous flags throughout the session.
- Marcus Sayles was dominant, breaking up three consecutive pass attempts.
- Antoine Brooks Jr. celebrated the lone pick-six for the defence when he intercepted a pass thrown by Tommy Stevens.
Receiver Joe Robustelli's streak continued. After spending the 2024 season on the Roughriders’ practice roster, Robustelli focused his off-season on preparing within the Riders playbook so that he could make an impact in 2025.
“I got a little bit comfortable on the practice squad last year. I felt like I knew the plays but wasn’t locked in on the details. In the off-season, I made sure that I knew exactly what I was doing on every single play and made sure that when I got my opportunity, I was ready for that and not missing any assignments.”
The Roughriders return to the field at Griffiths Stadium on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m.
