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The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive line remains confident despite the injury bug already making an impact.
After starting 13 different offensive linemen in 2024, the team is already without two of their biggest free agent acquisitions — centre Sean McEwen and guard Philippe Gagnon.
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It was announced earlier in camp Gagnon had suffered a torn bicep.
On Tuesday, Riders head coach Corey Mace confirmed McEwen suffered a torn ACL early in camp.
“He ended up dealing with an ACL deal. It’s unfortunate but he had a healthy surgery (Monday),” Mace said.
The Riders have had to shuffle their offensive line due to the injuries, with Logan Ferland taking the reps at centre. Ferland was named the CFL west division’s most outstanding offensive lineman for his ability to play multiple positions last season. He finished the season at centre due to an injury to Peter Godber.
On the left side of the line, Zack Fry is lining up at guard with Trevon Tate at tackle.
The right side features two players who are coming back from their own injuries in 2024. Right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick (quad) and guard Jacob Brammer (knee) both missed a majority of the team’s games last season.
“I enjoy the game and just being able to miss it last year and watch it from the sideline and thinking it was over, this is everything I’ve wanted to do in my life,” said Hardrick when asked what it meant to be back on the field after last season’s injury. “I wanted to play football when I grew up and I’m still playing.”
Hardrick is a multi-time Grey Cup champion with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and is regarded as one of the top linemen in the CFL.
For Brammer, he’s looking to come into the season as a starter in just his second season in the CFL.
“It means a lot knowing they are putting their confidence in me and are willing to switch the ratio at our position. I take great pride in it and look to put my best foot forward at all times,” Brammer said.
The 26-year-old Brammer has a great resource of knowledge next to him in Hardrick, who is entering his 11th CFL season.
“He’s a leader not only within the O-line, but the whole team. We go as he goes — he’s the heartbeat of this team and we try to mimic it and try to bring the energy every day like he does,” Brammer said.
Despite the injuries to the offensive line, Hardrick said the mindset of the offensive line is that everything is still perfect.
“The weather is perfect. You don’t want anyone hurt but everything is perfect,” Hardrick said.
“We can’t control everything so whatever comes is perfect. That’s the mindset. Logan is doing a great job. He’s the best example of it from last year just playing everywhere. If Logan’s not complaining, no one should complain.”
The #Riders provided an update to the injury today centre Sean McEwen.@BrittonGray has more in The Daily Blitz. #CFL pic.twitter.com/PF3JZSfTb5
— The Green Zone (@GreenZoneSK) May 27, 2025
Riders get ready for second preseason contest
The Riders are getting ready to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second preseason game between the two clubs. The Bombers won 15-9 in Winnipeg last week.
Despite training camp being in its final week, Mace said there are still a few battles taking place.
“I think (fans) should keep their eyes peeled for pretty much dang everything. We have been pretty straightforward from the first day of camp that every group is in competition,” Mace said. “There are some very tight battles in multiple groups. We will have guys out there competing their tails off to get those spots.
“The evaluation never stops — even to how they keep their locker.”
Kickoff for the game is at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 5 p.m.
News and notes
- Trevor Harris was accurate throughout much of practice despite it being fairly windy. One of the highlights was a deep pass to slotback Sam Emilus for a touchdown in a pass skeleton drill.
- Linebacker C.J. Avery came up with an interception after the ball bounced off a few bodies in a drill.
- Linebackers Jameer Thurman and C.J. Reavis didn’t practice on Tuesday. Safety Nelson Lokombo did some rehab work on the sidelines. Defensive back Tevaugh Campbell didn’t participate in drills in the second half of practice.
- Rookie offensive lineman Eric Andersen is dealing with a hip injury. Mace said they are excited about him but are being smart with him.
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