The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released defensive back Jalon Edwards-Cooper due to a failed physical, according to head coach Corey Mace. He suffered a dislocated shoulder injury last season which isn’t fully healed.
“We got it looked at and it ended up being a little bit worse than anticipated,” Mace said. “It’s going to be long-term. I’m really sad for the kid and it’s unfortunate for us. We’re not going to close the door on it, just going to take some time.”
The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract during free agency in February worth $120,500 in hard money, including a $20,000 signing bonus.
Head coach Corey Mace told the Regina media that the release was prompted after Edwards-Cooper failed his physical with a dislocated shoulder, but would not rule out a future return.
In 30 career CFL games, the five-foot-eleven, 175-pound cover man has recorded 79 defensive tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He spent the first three seasons of his CFL career with the B.C. Lions.
Saskatchewan released veteran Nic Marshall in November following an arrest in Georgia, his home state. Head coach and defensive coordinator Corey Mace has to find a new starter at the boundary cornerback spot without Cooper in the mix.
The Riders open the 2024 regular season on Saturday, June 8 when visiting the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium.
