Veterans to rookies: Big names looking for second chance at Riders training camp

Several members of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders will be looking to make the most of their opportunity Friday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

It’s the Riders’ pre-season finale, which means final cuts are looming.

For defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr., the opportunity to earn a spot on the football field could be his last if he doesn’t make the team after this weekend.

The 28-year-old from St. Louis spent time playing in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills from 2017 to 2021. He was also on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice roster in 2022.

“It’s been two years since I played football so it was a great experience being out there (the last few weeks), flying around and playing with the guys. I had fun overall,” Cox Jr. said after practice at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.

Cox Jr. — the son of former NFL linebacker Bryan Cox — says it was difficult waiting to see where his career would take him after his last season in Indianapolis.

“It’s a scary deal. I’ve played football my entire life and it’s all I’ve done. It’s one of those things where it kind of puts things in perspective for you, but I’m just so grateful to be back out here playing ball and doing what I love to do,” he explained.

“I’m coming off an Achilles injury and just didn’t gain traction back to the NFL. This is my opportunity and I’ve got to take it by the horns and make the most of it,” he added,

Assistant general manager Kyle Carson reached out to Cox Jr. and invited him to camp.

Linebacker Kolby Harvell-Peel attended Oklahoma State University for four seasons (2018-22) before arriving in Riderville.

He had a brief stint with the Houston Texans at their mini-camp before being cut. A year later, he’s with the Riders and is hopeful for the opportunity that lies ahead for him.

“Mr. Carson had reached out to me and said, ‘We’ve got a workout (in Texas).’ I got up off the couch, came out and did a good-enough showing to get that second call to get brought up to camp,” Harvell-Peel explained. “It’s a blessing to be here and (I’m) glad they called.”

Harvell-Peel feels there’s a chance to earn a spot with the Riders this season and he enjoys the competition level he’s seen at training camp.

“Everybody is out here fighting for spots and trying to show their best self,” he said. “To get out (and play) in the first pre-season (game) and show everything I’ve been practising meant a lot.

“It’s (been) fun. It’s healthy competition,” Harvell-Peel added. “The older guys are pushing all the younger guys and the younger guys are trying to do the best they can to make the team. Luckily, we’ve got a close group and we all enjoy being around each other. It’s made it fun.”

He looks at special teams as a way to earn more playing time.

“With veterans ahead of you — if you’re not going to be able to show out on the field, you’ve got to make a splash somehow — so special teams is a great way to do that,” he said. “In the CFL, special teams is way more important than down south and (I) have to take every one of those plays seriously and hopefully make a mark on special teams.”

Final cuts are expected to be made sometime on the weekend.

Training camp notes

It was a quiet day at Riders training camp Wednesday as the pads were off and the players eased the tempo down to get ready for Winnipeg on Friday.

The Roughriders will do a walkthrough in Saskatoon on Thursday before boarding a plane to Winnipeg.

Head coach Craig Dickenson says camp this time around has felt a lot different compared to some of the previous years.

“I think we’re getting along better. I haven’t had to break up a lot of fights this year,” Dickenson joked. “It’s not that we aren’t being physical — because we are — but I think there’s a little more maturity on this team than there was on last year’s team and I think we’re doing a better job working together as a staff to make sure we get what we want when we’re playing together.”

He also feels the veterans this training camp have been a big help to the rookies or younger guys trying to earn a spot on the team.

“It’s a good bunch. Credit to Jeremy (O’Day), Kyle (Carson) (and) Paul Jones. They’ve brought in some good football players and good people and credit to our veterans,” Dickenson said.

“A lot of times our veterans couldn’t help the young players because those are the players trying to take their jobs, but we’re seeing the veterans trying to mentor and bring these guys along. I think that says a lot to the culture and the makeup of our team.”

Offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins was the only member of the Riders missing from training camp on Wednesday. He left the team earlier in the week to go home to deal with a family matter.