The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made a second round of roster cuts, releasing 12 players on Wednesday as the Canadian Football League requires teams to reduce their training camp rosters to 75 players. Among the notable departures are American kicker Michael Hughes, American running back Darrell Henderson, and American defensive back Nafees Lyon.
Key Players Released
Hughes, who spent part of last season with the Roughriders, was competing with Jonathan Kim to replace veteran kicker Brett Lauther, who was released in the offseason. Lyon, a veteran of 24 CFL games, also saw action with Saskatchewan last year in the defensive backfield. Henderson, a former NFL player signed this offseason, was vying for the backup running back position.
Other players released include national offensive lineman Dayton Black, American offensive lineman Yoesph Carter, American defensive lineman Thor Griffith, American receiver Ali Jennings III, American linebacker Demouy Kennedy, American quarterback Jordan McCloud, American receiver Juwann Winfree, and Global defensive lineman Sylvain Yondjouen.
Retirements and Additions
American defensive back Jerry Jacobs was placed on the retired list, joining national defensive back Gideon Agyei, who was added to the retired list on Tuesday. Previously, Global kicker Alex Hale, American offensive lineman Justin Osborne, American defensive lineman Aaron Patrick, and American receiver Freddie Swain were moved to the retired list.
The Roughriders also added two players this week: national defensive back Malcolm Bell and American receiver Mathew Sexton. Bell, Saskatchewan's first-round pick in the recent CFL draft, attended rookie minicamp with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Last season at Michigan State, he recorded 49 tackles, six pass breakups, and a sack. Sexton, 28, can return kicks and recently participated in rookie camp with the Ottawa Redblacks after stints with NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. He also played in the XFL and UFL.
First Round Cuts Recap
Earlier in the week, the Roughriders announced their first round of cuts, releasing defensive lineman Sundiata Anderson, running back Peny Boone, receiver Collin Brunstein, defensive back D'Angelo Mandell, defensive back Austin McKinney, defensive lineman Kevin Orange, defensive lineman Nathan Pickering, and offensive lineman Dartanyan Tinsley. Defensive back Billy Jonas Pernier was cut on Monday.
With these moves, the Roughriders continue to shape their roster ahead of the regular season, balancing experience and potential as they prepare for the upcoming CFL campaign.
