The Toronto Argonauts handed the Saskatchewan Roughriders their first loss of the 2026 CFL season with a 40-34 victory at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Friday night. The Argos' aerial attack proved unstoppable, led by quarterback Samuel Hicks, who threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns.
First-half dominance sets the tone
Toronto jumped out to an early lead, scoring on their first three possessions. Hicks connected with wide receiver Michael Thompson for two first-half touchdowns, putting the Argos up 24-10 at halftime. The Roughriders struggled to contain the deep passes, allowing several completions of 30-plus yards.
Saskatchewan's offense showed signs of life in the second quarter, with running back James Carter breaking off a 45-yard run that set up a touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Harris to slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker. However, the Riders defense could not get off the field on third downs.
Second-half comeback falls short
Down 34-17 entering the fourth quarter, the Roughriders mounted a furious comeback. Harris threw two touchdown passes in the final 10 minutes, including a 12-yard strike to receiver Brayden Lenius with 2:14 remaining to cut the lead to 40-34. However, the onside kick attempt failed, and the Argos ran out the clock.
"We knew they would fight back," said Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie after the game. "But our guys stayed composed and made the plays when it mattered."
Key statistics and impact
Hicks finished with 412 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Thompson had 158 receiving yards and two scores. Harris threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns for Saskatchewan, but also threw two interceptions. The loss drops the Roughriders to 6-1 on the season, while the Argos improve to 5-2.
According to CFL statistics, the Argos' 40 points were the most allowed by Saskatchewan this season. The Riders' defense had been allowing an average of just 22 points per game entering the contest.
Looking ahead
The Roughriders will look to bounce back next week when they travel to face the Calgary Stampeders. The Argonauts return home to host the Edmonton Elks. Both games are critical in the tight West Division standings.
