Saskatchewan Roughriders cut running back Mario Anderson Jr., 18 others

Photo courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released 19 players ahead of the CFL’s mandatory roster cutdown deadline on Saturday, including American running back Mario Anderson Jr.

Anderson appeared in nine games for Saskatchewan as a rookie last season. The 25-year-old carried 24 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while catching four passes for 13 yards.

Also released by the team were Canadian receiver Shemar McBean; American receivers Javian Hester, Abdul Janneh Jr., Siaosi Mariner, and Juwann Winfree; Canadian offensive lineman Connor Klassen; American offensive lineman Spencer Brown; American defensive linemen Sundiata Anderson, Chico Bennett Jr., and Davin Vann; American linebacker Vi Jones; Canadian defensive back Trae Tomlinson; American defensive backs James Burgess Jr., Benny Sapp III, and Steven Weston Jr.; American kicker Jonathan Kim; Global punter Jesse Mirco, and American long snapper Reed Hughes. 

Additionally, Canadian linebacker Osasere Odemwingie and defensive back Carson Sombach have been placed on the retired list with the intention of returning to school.

Mariner was in his first year with the Riders, but previously spent time with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022 and 2023. He appeared in 16 games, recording 26 receptions for 317 yards and two touchdowns.

Bennett dressed for two games last year, making two tackles. The Virginia product was considered one of the top candidates for Saskatchewan’s vacant defensive end spot.

Sapp played six games for the Riders in 2025, collecting 19 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and one forced fumble. He previously spent time with the Green Bay Packers, appearing in five games as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and recording two tackles.

Mirco took over Saskatchewan’s primary punter job late last season, appearing in five games. The second-round Global Draft pick averaged 47.4 yards per punt on 28 kicks as a rookie.

Saskatchewan also assigned 13 players to the practice roster to begin the season: American running back Quali Conley; Canadian receiver Daniel Wiebe; American receivers Johnny Johnson III and Mathew Sexton; Canadian offensive lineman Jez Janvier; American offensive linemen Thomas Perry and Jaison Williams; Canadian defensive lineman Liam Hoskins; American defensive lineman Jaylen  Pate; Global linebacker Tyron Vrede; American linebacker David Gbenda; and American defensive backs Juju Hughes and Seyi Oladipo Jr. 

Veteran Canadian defensive lineman Benoit Marion will begin the year on the one-game injured list, while a pair of rookie draft picks, offensive lineman Darius Bell and receiver Dylan Djete, have been placed on the six-game.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are on a bye in Week 1 and will play their first regular-season game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, June 13. The club finished first in the West Division standings with a 12-6 record in 2025 and went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, marking their first championship in 12 years.