The axe fell ahead of Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp practice on Wednesday as the club continued trimming its roster, highlighted by the release of former NFL running back Darrell Henderson Jr.
Henderson Jr. arrived in Saskatchewan with the most notable résumé among the latest cuts. The former third-round NFL Draft pick spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams from 2019 through 2023, rushing for 1,854 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding another four receiving scores.
At the collegiate level, Henderson Jr. was one of the most explosive running backs in the country during his time at University of Memphis. In 2018, he earned Consensus All-American honours and captured the Jim Brown Trophy after rushing for 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The Roughriders also released American quarterback Jordan McCloud, who signed with the club in January after an impressive NCAA career. McCloud threw for more than 10,000 passing yards across stops at Texas State, James Madison, Arizona and South Florida. He was named Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2023 while at James Madison University.
Another notable release was defensive lineman Thor Griffith, who signed with Saskatchewan in April after previously attending NFL camp with the Seattle Seahawks. Griffith starred collegiately at both Harvard University and University of Louisville, recording 132 tackles and 14 sacks during his Ivy League career.
Among the Canadian players released was offensive lineman Dayton Black, a former first-round CFL Draft selection. The Saskatoon product played 22 CFL games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks after a successful collegiate career with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
Additional releases included offensive lineman Yoesph Carter, receiver Ali Jennings III, linebacker Demouy Kennedy, defensive back Nafees Lyon, receiver Juwann Winfree, kicker Michael Hughes and global defensive lineman Sylvain Yondjouen.
Saskatchewan also announced veteran defensive back Jerry Jacobs has retired from football.
The club did receive one addition back to the active roster, activating Canadian running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon from the veteran injured list.
