The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened main training camp in Saskatoon on Sunday.
Veteran players joined first-year players who advanced from last week’s rookie camp.
It was a cloudy, cool morning at Griffiths Stadium with 200 or so spectators on hand to cheer on the Riders as the team took the field.
The Roughriders' motto over the offseason was continuity, and with the veterans back on the field, there was definitely a tone of familiarity during the workout. Quarterback Trevor Harris is completely healed from last year’s MCL and ACL injuries, he isn’t worried that off-season continuity could transform into complacency.
“A lot of people talk about continuity and for very good reason. But I think you have to ask yourself, with continuity, have you reached a ceiling? Like, have we tapped out who we are? And we're not even close to that. By no means does continuity mean that, oh, let's run back again. There's more from this group and you can feel it.”
Head coach Corey Mace has the same feelings about the group on the field.
“There's no complacency in this group. That's what we love about it. I could have told you that a month into the off-season. This group is just ready to get better," Mace said.
Receiver Shawn Bane Jr. was noticeably absent from the workout. Bane Jr. has been recovering from a knee injury sustained on September 28, 2024 against the Ottawa Redblacks. Mace stated it's unclear if he will be on the field for training camp.
“It was unfortunate the timing of his injury last year. He's been busting his tail, but we're going to slow roll him and make sure that he's okay so that he can hit the ground running when it's time.”
The play of the day was a 45-yard touchdown pass midway through the workout from QB Jack Coan to receiver Daniel Wiebe. The play drew cheers from the fans, many of whom had a keen eye on the Saskatoon native and University of Saskatchewan star.
Also of note from the opening workout:
- The Roughriders had three Americans in the first offensive line group. From left to right: Trevon Tate (American), Jacob Brammer (American), Sean McEwen, Logan Ferland, Jermarcus Hardrick (American).
- A lot of time was spent on special teams on day one, with various punt and kick cover teams getting some work.
- Punters Bailey Flint and Joe Couch took equal reps before the workout began, practicing their field goal holding.
- Fullback Albert Awachie left the session early with the medical staff.
Day two of training camp is Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
