Injuries have tested the Saskatchewan Roughriders early in the season, and the latest challenge may create an opportunity for a player who knows exactly what\u2019s expected. With defensive backs Nelson Lokombo, Rolan Milligan Jr.<\/p>\n
Injuries have tested the Saskatchewan Roughriders early in the season, and the latest challenge may create an opportunity for a player who knows exactly what\u2019s expected.<\/p>\n
With defensive backs Nelson Lokombo, Rolan Milligan Jr. and JuJu Hughes all missing time through the opening two games, Jonathan Edouard appears positioned to become the next man up in Saskatchewan\u2019s secondary.<\/p>\n
The veteran defensive back was taking first-team reps at practice on Tuesday and could be in line for a much bigger role when the Roughriders host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium.<\/p>\n
For Edouard, the timing is remarkable. Just over a week ago, he was waiting.<\/p>\n
After being released by Toronto before training camp, Edouard spent six weeks looking for another CFL opportunity. Saskatchewan came calling on June 17, and only three days later, he was in uniform for the Roughriders\u2019 overtime win over Calgary. Now there\u2019s a realistic possibility his first start in green and white could come against the organization where he spent the first three seasons of his CFL career.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s next man up,\u201d Edouard said. \u201cWe\u2019re begging for them to throw the ball our way. We\u2019re begging for them to choose us.\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset is one he says began long before he arrived in Saskatchewan. Edouard already has familiarity with Roughriders defensive coordinator Josh Bell from their time together in Toronto, and he believes that relationship has accelerated his transition into Saskatchewan\u2019s system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a tremendous head start. I\u2019m glad to see the system has gone further than when I originally started in it, and I\u2019m trying to do everything I can to get up to speed.\u201d<\/p>\n
That comfort level matters, especially in a secondary dealing with injuries and shifting responsibilities. Communication becomes critical, and Edouard says the work off the field has helped speed up the process.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all live together in the dorms, and every day since I\u2019ve been here we hang out and watch film, probably about 12 hours a day,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a privilege to come in and see the standard these guys play to, and I\u2019m just trying to do things the same way they are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Edouard\u2019s versatility may also work in his favour. Although he appears to be getting reps at halfback, he doesn\u2019t see himself as tied to one position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to play them all. At Carleton University, I played boundary corner, boundary half and free safety. I\u2019m just happy to get in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
That flexibility has followed him throughout his football journey. The Orlando, Florida, product earned National status after attending Carleton University in Ottawa, where he became a second-team OUA all-star. He later joined Toronto and appeared in 41 CFL games from 2023-25, recording 13 defensive tackles, 23 special-teams tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception while helping the Argonauts win the 2024 Grey Cup.<\/p>\n
Now, his potential first start with Saskatchewan comes against a familiar quarterback. Edouard knows Chad Kelly as well as anyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been with Chad four or five years, and Chad is a great quarterback, great dude. We have to stay disciplined, stay sound and do our job to the best of our abilities, and we\u2019ll prevail.\u201d<\/p>\n
And if his number gets called Friday night, Edouard is ready for one more change. For years, he came into Mosaic Stadium hearing the crowd against him. This time, he hopes they\u2019ll be cheering with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait. Every time I\u2019ve come here, you know the fans are going to be hype. I can\u2019t wait for them to be cheering with me rather than against me.\u201d<\/p>\n