Roughrider training camp day 5: Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder tee up the report on The SportsCage. Lot's of roster cuts and you're not going to want to miss it. #CFL #Riders #RiderNation #Saskatchewan pic.twitter.com/jQgXzHPIsY
— The SportsCage (@sportscage) May 14, 2026
The weather turned midway through practice, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders kept rolling on Day 5 of training camp in Saskatoon. Rain greeted the team early in the workout before conditions improved, creating another opportunity for head coach Corey Mace to test how his club handles adversity and ball security.
Mace welcomed the changing conditions, noting that CFL teams have to be prepared for anything throughout a long season.
“It's always good to get days like that,” Mace said. “I kind of wish it did rain the whole time, but it ended up clearing up through some of our walk-through portions. We still have to rip the ball and secure the catch. So it was good because you never know what you're going to get during a CFL season.”
The biggest defensive highlight belonged to local product Carson Sombach. The former University of Regina Rams defensive back stepped in front of a pass from quarterback Trevor Harris, intercepted it and returned it for a touchdown during team drills, much to the joy of his defensive teammates. Mace praised Sombach’s intelligence and growing confidence within the defensive system.
“He's incredible, a really intelligent kid,” Mace said. “He’s grasped his job responsibilities within the defence and also knows what's going on around him at the position that he's playing. So, it's good, you know, when you get a chance to get your hands on the ball in a team period.”
The offence answered back with one of the sharpest plays of camp so far. Receiver Abdul Janneh Jr. hauled in a slant pass and sliced through the defence for a touchdown, showcasing the speed and explosiveness the Riders hope he can bring to the receiving corps.
Another notable moment came when linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. elevated to break up a pass and collided heavily with a pair of receivers. Miller appeared to avoid injury and continued after the hard contact.
While the skill-position highlights grabbed attention, the offensive line continued to impress quietly. Even with reigning CFL all-star tackle Jermarcus Hardrick getting a veteran day off, the unit remained solid throughout practice.
One player drawing praise is offensive lineman Zack Fry, who continues to settle into the left guard spot. Fry, entering his third season with Saskatchewan, has steadily climbed the depth chart after being drafted by the club in 2022. Mace said Fry’s development has been impossible to miss.
“It's just a constant climb for the guy, getting better, more comfortable, playing more aggressively, getting better with his sets,” Mace said. “He's coming into his own.”
Fry credited consistency and daily improvement for his progress.
“A lot of things that we say in the O-line room are stacking days and just continuing to work on things,” Fry said. “I think that's a big part of it and trying to get better every day.”
The former Western Mustangs standout also emphasized the chemistry developing among the offensive linemen during camp.
“We have a lot of the guys back from last year, which is awesome,” Fry said. “I'm super close with all these guys. I've spent a lot of time with Brammer, Ferland, Yoshi, Payton, all these guys, all the vets. And I'm starting to get to know these rookies pretty well. So as long as you can be grouped, it is how you're going to play the best.”
Fry said a successful day for an offensive lineman comes down to protecting the quarterback and keeping the offence moving.
“Running off the ball, feet feel good, pass pros good, making sure no one gets close to Trev, scoring touchdowns, first downs,” Fry said. “Just try to keep the feet under you and just keep rolling.”
As training camp pushes toward preseason action, the Roughriders continue to stress competition, versatility and consistency. Day 5 offered a little bit of everything: difficult weather, highlight-reel plays and more signs that Saskatchewan’s returning core is beginning to round into form.
