Mathew Sexton to make CFL debut, Emilus and Schaffer-Baker to start for Riders on Friday

Mathew Sexton has bounced around a lot in his football career.

The 28-year-old Sexton is getting ready to play in his first CFL game as the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday.

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“I’m out here every day trying to do my job, just making sure to do things right and focus on the little details,” the Clinton, Mich. product said.

Sexton’s football journey has seen him play for a number of teams in a number of leagues since leaving Eastern Michigan and going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins in the NFL, as well as the XFL’s Vegas Vipers and UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.

Sexton came to the CFL in 2026 after signing a contract with the Redblacks, but was released before camp.

“I was only there for three or four days, so very interesting to get the call Friday (to play). It would be a full-circle moment,” Sexton said. “It was interesting out there. I’m glad to be here.”

Sexton signed with the Riders on May 12, appearing in both preseason games for the club. He had five catches for 78 yards in the first preseason contest, adding four more catches for 34 yards during the contest in Saskatoon.

His biggest impact for the Riders this week could come in the return game, as James Letcher Jr. (elbow) has been added to the six-game injured list. Sexton returned kicks in the preseason, and was in that spot during the week of practice.

“The great thing about the coaching staff here is it allows us to be free and do what we need to do. They set us up for success and make sure we do things right. That’s all I’m focused on,” Sexton said.

“I just want to make sure I’m doing my job right and staying locked in on it.”

As a returner, he’s also made sure to study the rules surrounding the rouge and the changes the CFL made to it this past offseason.

“I’ve been paying attention to the games. I’ve had to. I’m still trying to learn and stuff like that, so I don’t have any surprises when that time does come,” Sexton said.

The Riders did manage to avoid some major decisions when it came to its receiver group for this week. To begin this week, KeeSean Johnson was the only starting receiver from Week 1 who practiced.

Kian Schaffer-Baker (oblique) and Sam Emilus (ankle) are both on the depth chart as starters, meaning the team avoided any long-term injuries with them. Wide receiver Jaylen Johnson (shoulder) will be out, and Johnny Johnson III will start in his place.

The team will also be without defensive tackle Ali Saad, who suffered a calf injury in practice and was added to the six-game injured list.

The Riders will also get back Nelson Lokombo, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury. Lokombo will start at halfback, as Jaxon Ford will start his third game at safety.

Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m. The Green Zone’s pregame show begins at 3:30 p.m.