The Saskatchewan Roughriders are heading into their pre-season finale with several key questions that need answers before the regular season begins. After a 20-15 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, the team is set to host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.
Backup Quarterback Battle
The most intriguing competition is for the backup quarterback job behind starter Trevor Harris. Rookie Brayden Schager outplayed third-year pivot Jack Coan in Monday's pre-season opener, raising the possibility of a tough decision for the coaching staff. Coan remains the frontrunner, but if Schager delivers another strong performance, the Roughriders may opt for the player with the higher ceiling—as they did in 2024 when they kept Coan over Mason Fine.
Starters to See Action
After many veterans sat out the first pre-season game, including Harris, running back A.J. Ouellette, receivers KeeSean Johnson, Samuel Emilus, and Kian Schaffer-Baker, offensive linemen Jermarcus Hardrick and Logan Ferland, linebacker Jameer Thurman, halfback Rolan Milligan, cornerbacks Tevaughn Campbell and Marcus Sayles, and defensive end James Vaughters, most are expected to play on Saturday. Harris will likely see some snaps to prepare for the regular season, while Coan and Schager will compete for reps.
Defensive Line Competition
One starting defensive end spot remains open, with several American rookies vying for the role. While Vaughters is a lock for Week 1, Desmond Evans, Jaylen Pate, Chico Bennett, J.J. Weaver, and Marcus Haynes are competing for the other spot. Bennett, who spent the end of the 2025 season with the Roughriders, recorded a sack in the pre-season opener, while Evans was close on two pass rushes. Pate had one tackle, and Weaver did not register a statistic. Haynes did not dress for the game.
Receiver and Other Battles
With a couple of departures in the off-season, there is an opening for an American receiver in the starting lineup. That position could be decided on Saturday. Additionally, the kicking job is still up for grabs, and the team will look to finalize its special teams unit.
Preparing for the Regular Season
The Roughriders will have an unusual 21-day gap between the pre-season finale and their regular-season opener on June 13. They will hold training camp in Regina next week before a bye in Week 1. While knocking off rust is important, the primary focus on Saturday is evaluating talent and making final roster decisions.
After falling 20-15 to the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, the Roughriders are eager to see improved performance from their starters and depth players. The game against Winnipeg will provide crucial answers as the team finalizes its roster for the 2025 season.
