Battle positions take centre stage as Riders face Elks

The evaluation process continues for head coach Corey Mace as the Saskatchewan Roughriders head into their second preseason game.

Saskatchewan is in Edmonton to take on the Elks on Saturday to wrap up its preseason. Kickoff for the game is set for 2 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

“I think we got a lot of answers (after our first preseason game),” Mace said at Griffiths Stadium during training camp. “Understanding for those guys who end up playing this week, seeing if they learn from their mistakes. There were still a couple of things we have to clean up but that’s testing for us as coaches as well – make sure that our message is clear and we’re giving these guys exactly what we want.”

A number of presumed starters will be playing for Edmonton in their first preseason game and in front of a home crowd. That includes newly signed quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and last year’s starter Tre Ford.

Meanwhile, for the Riders, veteran quarterback Trevor Harris won’t play in the contest, making way for a battle for the backup spot between Mason Fine, Shea Patterson, Antonio Pipkin and Jack Coan.
“(Trevor’s) a leader. To be able to be an extra coach on the field and allow these quarterbacks to push to be as successful as possible – that’s what I love about Trevor,” Mace said.

Mace said the goal is to have quarterbacks play a similar amount of snaps, but they also have to take into account Fine missed snaps last week after reportedly suffering an injury in the preseason win over the Bombers.
“We will make sure he gets a healthy dose. Every quarterback who is dressing will see some snaps,” Mace said.

Fine, who is in his fourth season with the Riders, said you just have to go out and do your job to try and lock down a spot.

“Nothing is solidified yet, you have to go out there and perform, execute and play within the offence,” Fine said. “Don’t try to press – that’s what a lot of guys do when it gets to this time. Maybe they press, maybe not live within the offence. Make sure my eyes are sharp, make sure my feet are sharp, throw accurate balls make the right reads and just move the ball up and down.

“Whatever happens, happens.”

Patterson feels like he has been proving since he first signed in 2023 that he can be what the team needs at the position. “I feel like I have shown up every single day and shown these guys – the last staff and I’m showing this staff now what I can do,” Patterson said. “That’s all I can do every single day.”

A number of other Riders’ veterans won’t play in the game including defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., receiver Mario Alford, defensive lineman Micah Johnson, linebacker Jameer Thurman, defensive end Malik Carney, slotback Shawn Bane Jr., defensive back Amari Henderson, running back AJ Ouellette, wide receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker and defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II.

That opens up more opportunities for someone like CFL rookie Diego Fagot, who had an interception in the team’s first preseason game.

“There’s a ton of talent in our room. It’s very, very competitive and I’m not really sure how it’s going to play out,” Fagot said. “I’m just trying to focus on myself – obviously help those around me – but at the same time focus on what I can control and be the best player I can be and ultimately help the team in that way.”

Left tackle is another spot that has been a battle throughout camp, with Trevor Reid getting the starting reps early in camp and in the preseason games.

“It’s an everyday battle and everyone is going at it for their positions,” Reid said. “Just have to minimize all missing assignments and errors. “I feel like I need to catch more bodies and more bodies need to be on the ground. More technique-wise and more bodies – bodies need to be on the ground. As simple as that.”

After the game, the Riders will return to Regina to finish off their training camp.
The Riders will open their regular season on June 8 in Edmonton against the Elks.