‘Outstanding’: Riders return as CFL training camp opens

After a long offseason, the Saskatchewan Roughriders took to the field for the first time as a unit.

After three days of CFL rookie camp, the veterans took to the field for the first time on Sunday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.

“It was outstanding. It’s worth every second of the offseason just to be out here together today,” said head coach Corey Mace.

“An incredible first day. I thought everything we wanted it to be, it was. The trajectory of how camp goes, it’s going to get any better. Hell of a first step for us.”

The club will look to take another step forward this season under Mace. In his first season as the head coach, the team made it all the way to the CFL West Final in 2024 but ultimately fell short against the Bombers.

Quarterback Trevor Harris admits this training camp does have a different feel to it because of how last season ended — but it’s not because they are out for revenge.

“It’s a love for our brothers here in this room and how much we care for one another and how far we want to take this thing,” Harris said.

“I told my wife when I got here that this is the first time since 2010 where it felt like I came home from home … I think a lot of guys have that same sort of sentiment.”

After the West Final, Harris wasn’t sure what his future would hold, being aged 38 and having a decision to make about his football future, as well as the team deciding if they wanted to bring him back. He was eventually signed to a one-year contract extension.

“Walking off the field in Winnipeg, I wasn’t sure what would happen next. I had the short time to talk to my wife and what not and from there it was like I can’t imagine having the same co-ordinator, having the same set of main guys coming back and you add a healthy AJ (Ouellette), you add back Jermarcus (Hardrick),” Harris said.

“It’s something that we have been really looking forward to because I feel like we can really hit the ground running this year.”

Harris’ health will be a key for the Riders this season. Last year, the quarterback suffered a knee injury which was described as a moderate MCL sprain. It turns out Harris’ injury was more significant, partially tearing his ACL as well.

“It happened against Hamilton and it was one of those situations where it was going to be tough sledding through the year putting any pressure into it and planting off of it and what not. I just kind of modified my game a little bit as best I could and not putting my team in a compromised position by being out there,” Harris said.

“I feel great now.”

As the first steps of the 2025 CFL season unfold, Mace said their expectations remain high with this group.

“You want to win the last game of the year. That’s a broad thought but we are very narrow-focused,” Mace said.

Training camp resumes on Monday at 8:30 a.m. at Griffiths Stadium.

Day 1 of #Riders camp has wrapped up.

The Green Zone Rider Reporter @BrittonGray brings you an update following the practice. #CFL pic.twitter.com/L7VQjUugHw

— The Green Zone (@GreenZoneSK) May 11, 2025

News and notes from Day 1

Shawn Bane Jr. suffered a knee injury near the end of September last season and it appears unlikely he will be able to be a full participant at camp this year. He was added to the injured veterans list last week.

“We’re going to slow-roll him. It was unfortunate the timing of his injury last year. He has been busting his tail,” Mace said.

“We’re going to slow-roll him and make sure he is OK so he can hit the ground running when it is time.”

#Riders head coach Corey Mace wouldn't completely rule it out but it sounds unlikely Shawn Bane Jr. will be a full participant at any point in camp this year.

Says it was unfortunate timing when his injury happened late in the season. #CFL

— Britton Gray (@BrittonGray) May 11, 2025

With Bane Jr. not participating, that led to second-year receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby getting reps with the starters. With Duncan-Busby being a Canadian, that meant the Riders could play another American along the offensive line. Jacob Brammer took the reps at left guard.

Rookie wide receiver Daniel Wiebe received cheers from the Saskatoon crowd. The University of Saskatchewan Huskie showed off his speed, breaking away from the defence on a play.

Daniel Wiebe illicited cheers from the crowd as he caught a pass and used his speed to break away from the defence. #Riders #CFL

— Britton Gray (@BrittonGray) May 11, 2025

Quarterback Jake Maier threw two beautiful passes in his first training camp as a Rider. One was a ball during pass skeleton to Tommy Nield, who laid out big to haul it in.

Then in the team drill, Maier hit wide receiver Drae McCray in stride for a deep ball as well.