Marcus Sayles’ positional versatility is coming in handy for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The veteran defensive back moved from corner to halfback for last week’s game against the B.C. Lions. With star corner Tevaughn Campbell closing in on a return – he’s listed as questionable for Friday’s tilt against the Calgary Stampeders – the move might be more permanent for Sayles.
And that’s just fine with him.
“At this time of year, we’re trying to win as many games as possible. If moving me to halfback is the best thing to do, then I’m willing to take that opportunity,” he said. “I don’t feel like there’s anything that I so much need to learn at that position. I feel like I’m comfortable in it, and I feel like I’m making plays, so I’ve got to keep going from there.”
Sayles’ adaptability to a new spot on the field is not unlike fellow DB Nelson Lokombo sliding back into the middle to his natural safety position when he replaced Jaxon Ford earlier in the field.
Riders coach Corey Mace appreciates Sayles’ willingness to help the team.
“What he brings is a veteran presence and an understanding of our defence and being (in) multiple (positions),” the coach said. “We’re moving him around a little bit.
“It bodes well for us. It allows us to be flexible in the back end. Incredible player. He’s had a great career. Made plays wherever he’s stopped. We’re happy that this is a stop for him.”
Sayles is in his third season with the Riders and celebrates his 32nd birthday on Thursday.
He has 49 tackles – 47 of which have come on defence – and five pass knockdowns in 2026. He’s still looking for his first interception after collecting two last season and four the year before.
“I think I’m having a good year, but there’s always room for improvement,” Sayles said. “There’s always plays on the table that I wish I could have had back.
“We’re right where we need to be. We’ve still got control of our destiny of where we can go. I’m just happy to be able to continue to play.”
The Riders have lost two straight games and four of their last six. It’s a long shot that they’ll win the West Division and earn a bye to the league semifinal. They’re in third place after losing to the Lions, who own the head-to-head tiebreaker despite both teams owning identical 8-6 records.
What Sayles means about the Riders being in control of their own destiny is that a win over Calgary secures them a playoff berth.
To get a victory, they’ll have to slow down Vernon Adams Jr., the Stamps quarterback who’s thrown 30 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions.
He’s a mobile quarterback and the Riders have had their difficulties against players like him. Think B.C.’s Nathan Rourke, Edmonton’s Cody Farajdo, and Hamilton’s Tre Ford.
The key, Sayles said, is to avoid explosive plays, something that largely falls under the secondary’s purview.
“He’s a great player,” Sayles said of Adams. “Not only can he run, but he can sling the ball 60 yards if he needs to. We’ve got to make sure that we contain in our rush. Our D line’s been doing good all season. We’ve just got to make sure that we do contain.
“We’ve got to make sure we get sticky in our zones when he’s rolling out of the pocket.”
What that comes down to being on the same page, something the Riders have said they had difficulties with last Friday against B.C. as Rourke scrambled and threw for 375 yards and four touchdowns.
You can bet Sayles, from his new position, will be helping with that.
“We’ve just got to be a little more locked in, get our communication more right, and we’ll be OK,” he said.
