The Saskatchewan Roughriders have finalized their roster ahead of the 2026 CFL regular season, announcing a series of moves that included 19 releases, multiple injury list placements and 13 additions to the practice roster.
Among the most notable decisions was the release of running back Mario Anderson Jr.
Anderson spent parts of the 2025 season with the Roughriders after initially earning a spot out of training camp. He was later released when Saskatchewan signed former CFL rushing champion Ka'Deem Carey. When Carey suffered a season-ending injury, Anderson returned to the club and provided valuable depth in the backfield. Despite another strong training camp, Anderson was among the final cuts as the Roughriders trimmed their roster to league limits.
The Roughriders also moved on from veteran defensive back Benny Sapp III, who joined the club during the 2025 season and provided experienced depth in the secondary.
Special teams featured some of the toughest decisions of training camp.
American kicker Jonathan Kim, who impressed throughout camp and the preseason, was released as Saskatchewan elected to go with Global kicker Alex Hale. The club also released Global punter Jesse Mirco, leaving Oscar Chapman as the lone punter on the roster heading into the regular season.
At quarterback, Saskatchewan elected to keep four signal-callers. Veteran Trevor Harris returns as the starter while Jack Coan, Brayden Schager and Tommy Stevens all earned roster spots following training camp.
Another notable move involved defensive back JuJu Hughes. The American defender was one of the early standouts of camp and appeared to put himself firmly in the roster conversation. While he did not crack the active roster, Hughes was retained on the practice roster, giving the Roughriders a promising option should they need help in the secondary during the season.
Practice Roster Additions
The Roughriders added the following players to the practice roster:
- RB Quali Conley
- LB David Gbenda
- DL Liam Hoskins
- DB JuJu Hughes
- OL Jez Janvier
- WR Johnny Johnson III
- DB Seyi Oladipo Jr.
- DL Jaylen Pate
- OL Thomas Perry
- WR Mathew Sexton
- LB Tyron Vrede
- WR Daniel Wiebe
- OL Jaison Williams
Return to School
Two National players will return to school after training camp:
- LB Osasere Odemwinge
- DB Carson Sombach
Injury List Moves
Defensive lineman Benoit Marion was moved to the one-game injured list.
Offensive lineman Darius Bell and receiver Dylan Djete were placed on the six-game injured list.
Released Players
The Roughriders released the following players:
- RB Mario Anderson Jr.
- DL Sundiata Anderson
- DL Chico Bennett Jr.
- OL Spencer Brown
- DB James Burgess Jr.
- WR Javian Hester
- LS Reed Hughes
- WR Abdul Janneh Jr.
- LB Vi Jones
- K Jonathan Kim
- OL Connor Klassen
- WR Siaosi Mariner
- WR Shemar McBean
- P Jesse Mirco
- DB Benny Sapp III
- DB Trae Tomlinson
- DL Davin Vann
- DB Steven Weston Jr.
- WR Juwann Winfree
With training camp now complete and roster decisions finalized, the Roughriders can turn their attention to preparing for the regular season, where they will host B.C. on June 13.
