Kosi Onyeka set to start his second game for the Riders

Kosi Onyeka had to be patient for his first CFL start.

The 25-year-old Brampton product dressed for 37 games in a special-teams role prior to starting in last week’s 21-13 Saskatchewan Roughriders win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Banjo Bowl.

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“It meant everything. All the hard work and preparation finally paid off. It’s a blessing,” Onyeka said.

But despite being proud of making that start, he knows he can’t be satisfied with it.

“We still have plays to be made and games to win. It’s good getting my feet wet but we still have to climb up the ladder and I still have goals for myself I want to reach. Every day I just want to put in that work and try to get there,” Onyeka said.

Onyeka started due to injuries to Nelson Lokombo and Jaxon Ford. In the game, Onyeka recorded two tackles and all added a tackle on special teams.

CFL fans will certainly recognize the last name Onyeka. His cousin Godfrey is in his seventh CFL season — spending 2021-24 as a member of the Riders — and his other cousin Kene has been with the Ottawa Redblacks since 2018.

Kosi’s older brother Nakas played in the CFL for four seasons as well (2017-22).

“I learned how to be a pro. I played three years here with Godfrey and he was a big mentor of mine. Growing up, I’ve watched my brothers and cousins always play so that kind of inspired me,” Onyeka said. “That was my first inspiration to play pro football and that kind of opened the doors for me so I am forever grateful for them.”

Onyeka will make a second straight start on Saturday when the Riders host the Montreal Alouettes. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

Defensive backs Tevaughn Campbell, Marcus Sayles game-time decisions

There wasn’t much clarity provided when the Riders’ depth chart came out on Friday.

Both starting defensive backs Tevaughn Campbell and Marcus Sayles were listed as game-time decisions after not practicing during the week.

If they are unable to go, Kerfalla Exume and Benny Sapp III were taking reps in their spots throughout the week of practice.

Sapp played 2023 with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and spent 2024 on the Atlanta Falcons practice roster until he was cut that June. He signed with the Riders under a month ago but could be set to play this week.

“It’s been amazing. Just grateful for the opportunity,” Sapp said. “My agents told me I got claimed back on July 1 and ever since then, I was telling my agent, ‘Make sure we contact these people so I can get up there.’

“I’ve just been grateful and taking it step-by-step and just can’t wait.”

Linebacker C.J. Reavis fined

On Thursday, the CFL announced Riders linebacker C.J. Reavis was fined for a high hit on Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros.

He sent out a post on X voicing his displeasure about the fine but has since deleted it.

“You can’t tweet that. That’s against the rules. I have to be better and hold my composure and vent to my family or something like that instead,” Reavis said.

He did appreciate the support from fans.

“I love Rider Nation, and I appreciate you guys. You don’t have to pay my fine for me, it’s OK. Thank you though,” Reavis said. “I appreciate the love, Rider Nation — I love you all. It’s a family for sure.”