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Jaylen Johnson will get the first opportunity on Saturday to show he’s the right piece for the Saskatchewan Roughriders puzzle.
The wide receiver won one of the starting spots in the team’s offence after training camp and two pre-season contests.
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“It’s super humbling. I have to give credit to the work I’ve put in and the work I’ve put in with my teammates and the trust they have in me — it means a lot to me and I’m going to go out there and show them why it’s a good decision,” the 26-year-old said.
The Duluth, Ga., athlete signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had three receptions for 53 yards in the preseason and was signed to their practice squad. He made his debut against the New Orleans Saints.
He signed with the Riders this past off-season.
“It’s been a great experience. Obviously, I am a rookie, so I had to prove myself and learn the ropes from the veteran guys and learn how we do stuff around here. It has been a great learning experience, and I’ve had a lot of fun being out there on the field,” Johnson said.
Saskatchewan is coming off its 2025 Grey Cup win that saw the Green and White defeat the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in Winnipeg. The newcomer believes you can tell the organization has a winning culture.
“You can feel it on the field and in the meeting rooms. I think this is a player-led team and those are the best teams,” Johnson said.
“When you have Trevor Harris — such an experienced and great quarterback — he is upholding that standard. He will let us know if we are slacking or that’s not it.”
It’s taken some patience for the wide receiver, as the Riders were one of three teams that were on a bye week to begin the 2026 CFL season. Saskatchewan will host the B.C. Lions on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.
“It’s so exciting. It’s been a long journey. Just within the last year, dealing with injuries in the NFL and being out for so long and finally being able to play a real game again, it’s something I have been wishing for every day,” Johnson said.
“I just think about it all day long, and I can’t wait to go out there with my teammates.”
Saskatchewan will unveil the 2025 championship banner at the game. While he wasn’t here last season to contribute to that win, he has noticed the room next to the banner that he hopes to help fill.
“I told all my teammates that I saw you all did it last year, we have to do it again this year. You’re not leaving me out of the party this time,” Johnson said.
Also making his Riders’ debut will be defensive end Desmond Evans, who will line up across from free agent acquisition James Vaughters.
Linebacker Nick Wiebe suffered a head injury in practice and will not be playing this week, as he was added to the one-game injured list.
(Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)
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