The Saskatchewan Roughriders have a wealth of options at American receiver after an impressive pre-season performance from Johnny Johnson III and Abdul Janneh. Both players showcased their skills in the team's final exhibition game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, making strong cases for a spot on the regular-season roster.
Johnny Johnson III Makes an Impact
Johnny Johnson III, who signed with the Roughriders midway through training camp on May 19, was thrust into action just four days later in the pre-season finale. The 27-year-old, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 199 pounds, produced four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown in his first game action in nearly a year.
“It just felt good to be back on the field,” said Johnson. “I missed a whole year last year dealing with injury and then finally get an opportunity again to be on the field, get hit by guys and see a whole game, compete against another team, not just practice. It’s a blessing. It felt great especially getting the dub.”
Johnson played university football with the Oregon Ducks from 2017 to 2021 before joining the NFL’s Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He played two regular-season games over three years before suffering a dislocated elbow while blocking in the pre-season, which led to his release.
“After I got healthy earlier this year, I had (his agent) reach out to a lot of different teams, different leagues from NFL to UFL to this, and this opportunity came around,” said Johnson. “And then seeing what this team was about, and how far they took it last year winning it all, I just really jumped at it. It felt like the right move in my heart.”
Abdul Janneh Shines Again
Another player in the mix is Abdul Janneh Jr., who led the team with 107 yards on six catches in the pre-season finale, highlighted by a 39-yard reception on the game-winning drive in the 31-27 comeback win over Winnipeg. The 23-year-old, who measures 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, had a three-catch, 44-yard performance the week prior against Calgary.
“Happy we got the win, obviously, but it was definitely nice to go out there and put on a show,” said Janneh. “Just being able to put what we’ve been working on onto the field, and just coming out with that mindset, especially getting a win against a rival, doesn’t matter if it was pre-season.”
Janneh signed with the Roughriders midway through camp last year but was part of Saskatchewan’s final roster cuts. This is his second chance to crack the team, and he hopes familiarity with the playbook will help his chances.
“I feel good with what I’ve done so far in camp,” said Janneh, who had three catches for 36 yards in pre-season last year. “I feel like I had a really, really great camp, and the past two pre-season games, I feel like I did really, really well.”
With KeeSean Johnson the only returning American starter at receiver, Johnny Johnson III and Janneh are among several American receivers vying for a spot before final cuts on Saturday.
