Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Daniel Wiebe experienced a series of firsts on Friday night. In his first CFL game, the 23-year-old recorded his first CFL reception and his first professional touchdown, though the Roughriders fell 40-34 to the Toronto Argonauts in Week 4 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
First Career Reception and Touchdown
Wiebe, a Saskatchewan native, was activated as the backup receiver for Saskatchewan’s third game of the season after an injury to fellow Canadian Dhel Duncan-Busby. He was thrust into action following an injury to starter Samuel Emilus on Friday night. His first career reception was a 31-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter. “It was exciting,” Wiebe said of his debut. “I dreamed of doing that, being able to play in a pro game. It meant a lot. Obviously you want to get that win, so that stings not being able to get that done, but it was exciting.”
Wiebe’s second career catch came in the fourth quarter when he caught a short pass from quarterback Trevor Harris and forced his way into the end zone through a trio of Argonaut defenders for a 17-yard touchdown. “Super exciting,” Wiebe said. “I’ve been dreaming of these moments since I was a kid and to do it with the Riders, it means everything. I saw I was close, and I said, ‘I’ve gotta get in there, I gotta find a way to get in there.’ Honestly I was so excited, I didn’t really feel anything. I was just so hyped to be in there.”
Impact on the Game
The touchdown cut Toronto’s lead to 33-31, sparking celebrations in the end zone and along Saskatchewan’s sideline. “It was just awesome,” said Roughriders head coach Corey Mace. “You saw everybody (hyped up) on the sideline. We know what that means to that kid and what it means to us honestly. He just works his tail off. He sparked and gave us some juice. Really proud of that guy.”
In addition to his two catches, Wiebe also returned two punts in the game following injuries to Emilus and starting returner James Letcher. “It’s great to be making plays,” said Wiebe. “Just to get the ball, get that first pro catch in the books meant a lot. Just helping out the team, it was great.”
Path to the Roster
Wiebe, a former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout, earned a practice roster spot after an impressive training camp. He was promoted to the active roster after Duncan-Busby’s injury. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder had previously hauled in a game-winning, three-yard touchdown reception in Saskatchewan’s second pre-season game against Winnipeg on May 23, which helped him secure his spot. “I want to be helping out the team as much as I possibly can, and to be able to be putting points on the board means a lot,” said Wiebe. “It takes everyone. That doesn’t happen without the other guys doing their job too.”
