Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list inclu...
It’s a chance for players to show what they can do when another team lines up across from them.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in Calgary to take on the Stampeders in the first CFL pre-season game of 2026. Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m.
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While a number of starters aren’t expected to play in the game, it is an important one for players looking to earn one of the coveted roster and practice roster spots with the defending Grey Cup champions.
(The game) is the separator,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said.
“We’re going to be relying on some guys to go out there and jockey for position. Ultimately, it comes down to executing your job and making the plays that come to you. Sometimes being a ball player and maybe making (a play) you shouldn’t. We want guys to be dialed into their jobs, but don’t be afraid of mistakes you haven’t made yet so go play ball.”
Trevor Harris will be the team’s starting quarterback for 2026 after one of his best seasons in 2025, earning him Grey Cup MVP honours as well.
But the spot behind him has some question marks around it.
The front-runner is Jack Coan, who is in his third season with the Riders.
“There’s a great opportunity in our room but at the end of the day, I treat it like every other camp — just try to make the most out of every single rep I get, most out of every single day and try to get better every single day,” Coan said.
“Just always try to continue to work on my arm strength and then just my athleticism and ability to move around and put on strength and muscle.
“It’s my third year in the offence as well, so I feel a lot more comfortable and I can look at plays and film at a different level now than just learning everything for the first time.”
Tommy Stevens also has a spot locked in on the game day roster for the Riders as the team’s short-yardage specialist, but he’s looking to prove to be more of a passer.
But Brayden Schager has been making his own case for consideration, as the 22-year-old has flashed throughout training camp. He was with the Riders at the end of last regular season.
“I think coming up for that month, I had talked about with the (general manager) and I knew it was going to be a big deal for me to just come in, learn the playbook and get some rhythm with the guys and get a real feel for Canadian football,” Schager said.
“I think I have done a good job of that, took a lot of notes and spent a lot of time that month getting used to everything and I think that has helped me get prepared for this camp.”
On the other side of the ball, defensive end is a position that will need someone new to step into. The team lost last year’s team sack leader, Malik Carney, as well as productive global player Habakkuk Baldonado.
Veteran defensive end James Vaughters was signed to hold down one of the spots, the other one remains wide open.
Desmond Evans has been the player the team has given the first kick at the spot, lining up with the starters throughout camp.
“It’s been wonderful just learning from the veterans and learning from the people I have met before,” Evans said.
“Coach (Josh) Bell asked me what’s my purpose the other day. Since I have been here and learning from guys who have already been here, I think my purpose is to learn from a lot of people and inspire other people to change their mindset. Some people who are new coming in, let’s get it and let’s go. I have played a lot of football — we have all played a lot of football — and I know what to do and what not to do. I want to pour that back into my teammates and bring them along so we can get that Grey Cup again.”
The Green Zone pregame show begins at 11 a.m. Listen live on 980 CJME and 650 CKOM.
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