The Saskatchewan Roughriders are getting closer to regular-season form as they prepare for their final preseason test against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.
Most of the core group from Saskatchewan’s 2025 Grey Cup championship team is expected to dress for the game, including veteran linebacker Jameer Thurman, who will make his preseason debut. Offensive linemen Zack Fry and Jermarcus Hardrick will not play.
For Thurman, training camp has been about steady progress and building toward the regular season, even as the days have started to blend together.
“I don’t remember the day, I just know that we’ve been working every single day,” Thurman said. “There’s been improvement every single week, and we’re just excited to go out there and showcase our talents versus Winnipeg.”
The veteran linebacker enters his third season with Saskatchewan after another standout campaign in 2025. Thurman was named the Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Defensive Player and earned All-CFL honours while helping the team capture the Grey Cup. Even with a veteran roster returning, Thurman said there is still plenty of room for improvement individually and collectively.
“If you’re not trying to better yourself each and every year, then what are you doing this for?” Thurman said. “I still remember plays vividly from last year that I want to be better at this year.”
Saskatchewan’s defence will feature some changes this season, with new personnel and a new defensive coordinator, Joshua Bell. Thurman said the transition has been smooth because Bell has already been part of the organization, while still adding his own approach.
“It’s still going to be Roughrider defence at the end of the day,” Thurman said. “The new guys are learning the playbook, and they’re making strides each week, so now we’ve just got to put it together on game day.”
One of Thurman’s biggest roles this season could come off the stat sheet. Fellow linebacker Josh Woods recently praised Thurman’s leadership and mentorship, something the veteran hasn’t experienced at this level in his CFL career.
“As long as I’m here, I just want to make sure that everybody is trying to maximize their potential,” Thurman said.
With one preseason game remaining before the regular season opener, Thurman said the focus for the defence is simple.
“The main thing is us being physical,” Thurman said. “Showing up, being physical and being detailed in our assignments, we’ll be ready to go.”
Saturday’s matchup will also provide another opportunity for players and coaches to adapt to the CFL’s new 35-second play clock. Thurman admitted the adjustment has been more noticeable offensively than defensively.
“For us, our job is to read and react to them, so it hasn’t changed much for me,” Thurman said.
Coverage of Saturday’s game begins with the Countdown to Kickoff on the Rider Broadcast Network, featuring Teagan Witko and Wes Cates, before Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the call from Griffiths Stadium.
