Sayles making Riders’ debut against Ti-Cats

Marcus Sayles didn’t have to wait long to get back into a CFL contest.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back, who signed last week after being released by the B.C. Lions, will make his season debut in the team’s Week 2 showdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff for the game at Tim Hortons Field is set for 5 p.m. Sask. time.

“I’m just excited really,” the 29-year-old defender said. “Just me having another opportunity to play the game I love, I’m blessed to be out here and blessed to be on the team that we have.

“Everybody seems locked in and we’re just hoping to go 1-0 this week.”

Sayles, who was a CFL all-star in 2022, won a Grey Cup in 2019 as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He joined the Lions in 2021, spending three seasons there.

But the Manhattan, N.Y., product was released by the team shortly after Lions training camp. He wasn’t out of work for long, with the Riders’ signing him to a deal.

He didn’t appear in the team’s Week 1 win due to arriving late in the practice week but has earned the coaches’ trust to get the nod in this one.

“The coaches have done a great job of explaining things to me,” Sayles said. “I’ve been able to stay here after-hours just trying to learn some things and I’m learning from the guys who have been here already.

“I’m adjusted so I think I’m going to play well.”

Sayles said he is excited to be a part of the Green and White because it shows how much the coaches believe in him and his ability.

“They believe that I can help win some games here,” Sayles said. “I trust them and I trust the gameplan. Whatever happens, happens but I am excited to be here.”

With Sayles playing one of the cornerback spots, the team has moved Nelson Lokombo to starting safety, knocking Jayden Dalke down the depth chart.

The former second-overall pick in the 2021 CFL draft hasn’t been able to carve out a regular starting role with the Riders since he was drafted and then suffered a torn Achilles just a day before the 2021 camp.

But under new head coach Corey Mace, the Abbotsford, B.C. product is being allowed to show what he can do.

“They trust me enough to put me in a different spot. I’m grateful for it and glad,” Lokombo said. “I’m just going to keep working and keep trying to be the best at any position.”

Lokombo said it felt great to be back on the field in a starting role.

“I feel comfortable and feel like I have experienced a lot,” Lokombo said. “It really felt comfortable just being out there and playing defence.”

With the team moving Dalke into a backup role, the Riders also had to make some moves to ensure it reached their seven Canadian starters. Regina product Mitch Picton comes into the lineup for KeeSean Johnson in a wide receiver spot. Ajou Ajou also makes his active roster debut as a backup for the game.