The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to begin their quest for a repeat Grey Cup championship, a feat never accomplished in franchise history. As training camp officially kicked off Sunday in Saskatoon following the first round of roster cuts, several key questions remain unanswered before the team can focus on defending its 2025 title.
Who Will Be the Starting Kicker?
For the first time since 2018, the kicking job is up for grabs after the Roughriders released veteran Brett Lauther during the off-season. American Michael Hughes, who joined the team late last season, holds an early advantage, but fellow American Jonathan Kim is also competing for the role. The team appears committed to filling this position with an American, which expands the talent pool significantly if the current options falter.
Replacing Receiver Dohnte Meyers
Meyers, who amassed 1,056 receiving yards last season with an average of 12.1 yards per catch, signed with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals. His departure leaves a void in the receiving corps as a deep threat. The Roughriders have several American candidates vying for the spot, including Abdul Janneh, Jaylen Johnson, Tyrie Cleveland, Siaosi Mariner, Juwann Winfree, and Ali Jennings. All six will have opportunities to impress during the pre-season.
Who Will Rush the Passer?
The Roughriders are without all three starting defensive ends from last season—Malik Carney, Habakkuk Baldonado, and Shane Ray. Veteran CFLer James Vaughters, signed in free agency, is expected to claim one defensive end spot. The other spot was anticipated to go to Aaron Patrick, who played on special teams last year, but he was unexpectedly placed on the retired list as camp began. The team hopes to find a new pass-rushing standout similar to Jonathan Woodard, who recorded 10 sacks in 13 games in 2021 after arriving from the NFL.
With training camp underway, these uncertainties will be addressed as the Roughriders aim for a historic repeat.
