Roughriders return to Saskatoon for training camp

(Keenan Sorokan/CTV News)

Canadian football is back in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to their annual temporary home at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon for another training camp, which began Wednesday with rookies taking to the field.

For the defending Grey Cup champions, it has been a long-awaited return following an off-season filled with celebrations.

“It’s incredible,” head coach Corey Mace said. “You know, when you’re off, you just want it to come sooner, right? “So now that we’re out here, we’re happy as ever — players, staff. Man, what a time.”

Of the 63 players listed on the rookie training camp roster, 46 Americans, 11 junior or returning national players and five members of the 2026 CFL draft class are part of the group in Saskatoon.

While veteran quarterback Trevor Harris is included in the rookie camp to loosen up his arm ahead of the main training camp, the field also includes multiple NFL veterans like Darrell Henderson Jr., who rushed for 1,854 yards and 15 TDs in the NFL while also winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.

Mace stressed the importance of players gaining confidence and pushing the competition to start camp.

“It’s a feel-out process. A lot of guys coming up north, getting adjusted to the game, but still having some guys who played in the CFL with our team last year returning, so you’re starting to see pro- caliber players, but getting that confidence before the vets come,” he said.

• Get the latest news from Saskatoon, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Two standout Saskatchewan players are going from foes to friends with the Green and White. Daniel Wiebe broke records while playing for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

As a fifth-year player, the Saskatoon-born receiver dominated last season on his way to being named Canada West Football Player of the Year and a finalist for the Hec Crighton Trophy.

After attending camp with the Riders last year as an eighth-round draft selection in 2025, he is looking to gain further footing and grab one of the few remaining national roster spots in the receivers room.

“I love to compete and every day is competition, so it’s good to be back for sure,” Wiebe said of his familiar surroundings.

“I still got a long way to go for sure. You know, today I didn’t really play as good as I would like to. So, I’ve got to be better tomorrow and got to go to the film room.”

Carson Sombach arrives in Saskatoon after signing with the Riders on Monday. The former University of Regina Ram defensive back was eager to get on the field after growing up in Regina and cheering on the Riders his whole life.

“It’s just cool to be on that field, wearing the logo and being around all the guys and all the coaches. It’s been a super cool experience so far,” he said.

“So, I was a little nervous, but I would say, at the end of the day, it’s football, and I just gotta go out and play.”

Sombach grew up in a tight-knit football family. His older brother Jackson plays for the Calgary Stampeders and his two younger brothers will play for the Rams again this fall. Being close in age, the group has grown around football since a very young age.

He says with Jackson having gone through training camp and a professional season, he’s been warned to expect long days, long meetings and be sure to plunge in ice baths to aid in recovery.

“I haven’t had a practice that long in a while,” Sombach said. “So yeah, I’m feeling a little bit. But I’ll hit treatment and I’ll be 100 per cent for tomorrow.”

The Roughriders’ first two draft picks from last week weren’t on the field. Ninth overall selection Malcolm Bell remains unsigned as he explores NFL opportunities, and second round pick Dylan Djete is in Saskatoon, but was receiving treatment for what Mace described as “soft tissue stuff.” He’s expected to be on the field soon.

Shemar McBean, the team’s seventh-round selection, is looking to compete alongside Wiebe and other national receivers for a spot on the team after competing against one another in the Canada West football conference.

“Now we’re on the same team,” he said. “The university rivalry is gone and we’re teammates now, so let’s just work to that.”

Rookie camp continues Thursday and Friday. Main training camp begins on Sunday.