The Saskatchewan Roughriders officially opened main training camp on Sunday in Saskatoon, and the energy around Griffiths Stadium reflected a team eager to build off last season’s title run.
Head coach Corey Mace described the atmosphere as one of the highlights of the year as veterans and rookies hit the field together for the first full practice of camp.
“You know, last night, just seeing everybody piled into one room. One of the best days of the year,” Mace said after practice. “So, to get them out here today, have them compete. You can tell the intensity of practice is a little higher. The speed is obviously faster. Hell of a day, day one.”
One of the players drawing plenty of attention on opening day was veteran linebacker Josh Woods, who is making the transition from division rival B.C. to Saskatchewan after spending the last five seasons with the Lions.
Woods arrives in Regina after a productive 2025 season where he recorded 65 total tackles, six tackles for loss and a sack while helping B.C. reach the Western Final. Now, after battling the Roughriders in one of the biggest games of the season, he finds himself on the other side of the rivalry.
“Man, that was a tough game, but I’m just so blessed and excited to be here and excited to get to work with this group and be on this side of it,” Woods said.
The veteran linebacker said Saskatchewan’s defensive identity under Mace was a major reason he wanted to join the club.
“Just seeing how Mace has operated around this league, having Travis Brown here, Coach Bell, just how physical and how the DBs fly around,” Woods explained. “I mean, everybody flies around, D-line, DBs, linebackers. I saw that I think I could really plug and play here.”
Mace believes Woods is a natural fit in the Roughriders’ defensive system.
“Yeah, he’s excellent,” Mace said. “Certainly just based off of size alone, he can fit the box. He’s tough to throw balls in behind and passing lanes and windows, and he’s a cerebral player.”
The head coach also pointed to Woods’ familiarity with linebackers coach Travis Brown as an advantage early in camp.
“He’s obviously got a background with our linebackers coach, Travis Brown. They were together at a previous spot,” Mace added. “For him getting acclimated now to the new playbook and our style of play, it shouldn’t be too tough.”
Woods emphasized he is not trying to replace anyone despite Saskatchewan losing key contributors at linebacker during the off-season.
“One thing that Bell told me right away when I signed is don’t try to fit in, just be yourself,” Woods said. “I’m not here to be anybody else here before, so don’t expect that. You can expect Josh Woods.”
He also expressed excitement about playing alongside all-star linebacker Jameer Thurman.
“Man, I haven’t been able to play with somebody like that in the CFL, a vet that has that status,” Woods said. “I’m excited to pick his brain and help try to make things easier for him.”
While much of the focus was on the defence, the offence delivered several highlight plays throughout the workout.
The offensive play of the day came from veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, who uncorked a perfect deep ball to receiver Daniel Wiebe. Wiebe made a contested catch before sprinting into the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown. Harris also connected with receiver Jaylen Johnson on a slashing route through the middle for another sizeable gain as the passing attack showed plenty of early rhythm.
On the defensive side, veteran defensive back Marcus Sayles produced arguably the top play of the afternoon. During an early team period, Sayles broke sharply on a pass and stepped in front of the intended receiver for an interception so impressive that Harris applauded the play afterward, despite throwing the ball.
Not participating
The Roughriders were without several players on day one of main camp:
- Ryder Varga (six-game injured list)
- Thomas Bertrand-Hudon
- Benoit Marion
- Caleb Sanders
- Tevaughn Campbell (personal reasons)
- Billy Jonas Pernier
With day one now complete, the Roughriders will continue ramping up preparations as camp competition intensifies heading toward preseason action. For Woods, the mission is already clear.
“I’ve never been a stat guy,” Woods said. “The only stat I care about is wins and losses. Whatever I can do to help the group win, I want to get a Grey Cup.”
