Injuries have tested the Saskatchewan Roughriders early in the season, and the latest challenge may create an opportunity for a player who knows exactly what’s expected.
With defensive backs Nelson Lokombo, Rolan Milligan Jr. and JuJu Hughes all missing time through the opening two games, Jonathan Edouard appears positioned to become the next man up in Saskatchewan’s secondary.
The veteran defensive back was taking first-team reps at practice on Tuesday and could be in line for a much bigger role when the Roughriders host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium.
For Edouard, the timing is remarkable. Just over a week ago, he was waiting.
After being released by Toronto before training camp, Edouard spent six weeks looking for another CFL opportunity. Saskatchewan came calling on June 17, and only three days later, he was in uniform for the Roughriders’ overtime win over Calgary. Now there’s a realistic possibility his first start in green and white could come against the organization where he spent the first three seasons of his CFL career.
“It’s next man up,” Edouard said. “We’re begging for them to throw the ball our way. We’re begging for them to choose us.”
That mindset is one he says began long before he arrived in Saskatchewan. Edouard already has familiarity with Roughriders defensive coordinator Josh Bell from their time together in Toronto, and he believes that relationship has accelerated his transition into Saskatchewan’s system.
“It’s been a tremendous head start. I’m glad to see the system has gone further than when I originally started in it, and I’m trying to do everything I can to get up to speed.”
That comfort level matters, especially in a secondary dealing with injuries and shifting responsibilities. Communication becomes critical, and Edouard says the work off the field has helped speed up the process.
“We all live together in the dorms, and every day since I’ve been here we hang out and watch film, probably about 12 hours a day,” he said. “It’s been a privilege to come in and see the standard these guys play to, and I’m just trying to do things the same way they are.”
Edouard’s versatility may also work in his favour. Although he appears to be getting reps at halfback, he doesn’t see himself as tied to one position.
“I like to play them all. At Carleton University, I played boundary corner, boundary half and free safety. I’m just happy to get in there.”
That flexibility has followed him throughout his football journey. The Orlando, Florida, product earned National status after attending Carleton University in Ottawa, where he became a second-team OUA all-star. He later joined Toronto and appeared in 41 CFL games from 2023-25, recording 13 defensive tackles, 23 special-teams tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception while helping the Argonauts win the 2024 Grey Cup.
Now, his potential first start with Saskatchewan comes against a familiar quarterback. Edouard knows Chad Kelly as well as anyone.
“I’ve been with Chad four or five years, and Chad is a great quarterback, great dude. We have to stay disciplined, stay sound and do our job to the best of our abilities, and we’ll prevail.”
And if his number gets called Friday night, Edouard is ready for one more change. For years, he came into Mosaic Stadium hearing the crowd against him. This time, he hopes they’ll be cheering with him.
“I can’t wait. Every time I’ve come here, you know the fans are going to be hype. I can’t wait for them to be cheering with me rather than against me.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Toronto Argonauts on Friday evening at Mosaic Stadium. You can catch all of the action on the 620 CRKM Cooperators Rider Broadcast Network starting at 4 p.m.
