Roughriders have a ‘good problem’ with receiver talent

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have several talented receivers looking to catch on with the CFL club for 2024.

Along with returning players like Kian Schaffer-Baker, Sam Emilus, Shawn Bane Jr., Mitch Picton and Jerreth Sterns, the Riders have had a number of players stand out in training camp and during the team’s two preseason games.

That includes KeeSean Johnson – who has been running with the starters throughout camp – and Dohnte Meyers.

Former NFLer Geronimo Allison and camp newcomer Joe Robustelli have shown flashes, while draft picks Dhel Duncan-Busby and Ajou Ajou have been adjusting nicely to the pros, with the latter catching a touchdown in the team’s first preseason win.

Also on the roster is slotback Brayden Lenius, who has yet to practice with the team as he deals with a foot injury, D’Sean Mimbs – the team’s sixth-round pick – and Jake Parker.

“That was a position spot we knew there was going to be some tough battles there,” head coach Corey Mace said. “The first week some guys stepped up, the second week a different guy stepped up.

“You want consistency from guys but at the same token, you see that there are some really good players at that position. That’s a good problem for us.”

One member of the Riders’ coaching staff who knows about talented receiver rooms is receivers coach Marquay McDaniel.

McDaniel suited up for 133 career regular season games, spending time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2009-11, 2018) and the Stampeders (2011-17), notching 7,366 yards and 27 touchdowns.

“The talent is there and that’s a good thing,” McDaniels said. “We’re going to have some tough decisions to make but that’s a good thing.

“The talent is there, even from the Canadian standpoint – I think we have two of the top guys in the league (Schaffer-Baker and Emilus). I’m not just saying that because they are here – I scouted both of those guys in the draft when I was in Calgary.”

Meyers scored a touchdown in the team’s second preseason game – a 28-27 win over the Edmonton Elks.

“It was amazing. You always dream of that moment and to get the job done in the preseason, it’s just exciting,” Meyers said.

Meyers is battling for a spot on the team and has shown some explosiveness in the return game as well. He is dealing with a hand injury, which limited his practice reps on Tuesday.

“You just want to take advantage of every opportunity,” Meyers said. “They preach, ‘just be ready’, when your name is called and just do it to the best of your ability.

“I’m just happy that god allowed that to happen. I just try to put my head back down and go to work.”

Riders release two

As Saturday’s final cut deadline approaches, the Riders reduced their roster by two on Sunday.

The team released Canadian linebacker Matt Dean and American defensive back Holton Hill.

Dean, an Oshawa, Ont. product, was taken by the Riders in the third round of the 2023 CFL Draft. He dressed for four regular season games with the team last year.

Hill signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. He played in 26 games for the NFL club.