Riders make two key roster moves during bye-week

While the Saskatchewan Roughriders rest up on the bye-week, the team went out and made two key roster moves ahead of their week 10 match-up with Edmonton.

The Riders signed National linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed. Last season, Herdman-Reed suited up in nine games with the green-and-white before suffering a season-ending injury.

Before becoming a Rider, Herdman-Reed was a B.C. Lion for three seasons. The Lions took the Simon Fraser product in the seventh round of the 2017 CFL Draft.

Herdman-Reed won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Defensive Player of the Year in his college days in both 2014 and 2015, respectively. He left Simon Fraser with several records including all-time marks in tackles with 428 and assisted tackles at 223.

If the last name Herdman-Reed is somewhat familiar, there’s a good reason why. Jordan’s brother Justin Herdman-Reed is a Rider and the two will link up together at the same position.

On the other side of the ball, Saskatchewan is bringing in Austin Watkins Jr. to play receiver.

Watkins Jr. signed with the San Francisco 49ers for the 2021 season and competed on the practice roster. Earlier in 2022, he was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization.

A product of the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Watkins Jr. played three seasons with the club before entering the professional ranks.

Watkins Jr. found ways to contribute to the offence in big ways. In 25 games, the former Blazer made 98 catches for 1,642 yards and nine touchdowns.

In his senior season, the Florida native earned First-Team All-Conference USA recognition.