The Saskatchewan Roughriders have activated American offensive tackle Brandon Council from their suspended list.
The six-foot-four, 310-pound blocker played 12 games for the Riders in 2023, making five starts at left tackle and seven starts at right tackle as a rookie. He was originally expected to compete for the team’s vacant left tackle job in training camp, which eventually went to newcomer Trevor Reid, but did not report while pursuing a job opportunity at his alma mater, Auburn University.
The move comes after starting right tackle and prized free agent acquisition Jermarcus Hardrick was carted off the field in a Week 6 loss to B.C. He was placed on the six-game injured list and will require surgery for a torn quad which could rule him out for the remainder of the season. Rookie Jacob Brammer will start in his place this week, with Council providing another option moving forward.
The 27-year-old spent three seasons at Auburn (2020-22) where he lined up at all five positions along the offensive line over 27 games. Council was named the Tigers’ Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2022 and ended his collegiate career with an appearance in the NFLPA Collegiate All-Star Game, landing him a rookie mini-camp invite from the New York Jets.
The native of Tar Heel, N.C. previously played three seasons at the University of Akron (2017-19) with starts at left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and centre. He played 25 games for the Zips with 24 starts, including nine as a redshirt freshman.
In a corresponding move, Saskatchewan has released linebacker Rodney Clemons Jr., who recorded one special teams tackle in three appearances last year.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-4) on Friday, July 19 at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
