May 22, 2018

Zver retires; Riders release Ojo, James

Arthur Ward/CFL.ca

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released defensive lineman Nick James and corner John Ojo, the team announced Tuesday.

Both players are internationals and were competing for starting roles on the Riders’ defence. It turns out those spots will be occupied by somewhere else when the Riders open their season on June 15 at home against the Argos.

Ojo, upon signing with the Riders last month, was initially thought to be part of the competition for the boundary corner spot vacated by the departed Kacy Rodgers. However, in camp, CFL.ca’s Jamie Nye said he’s been lining up at field corner behind Jovon Johnson on the depth chart.

The competition for boundary corner is a hot one in Riders camp, while the veteran Johnson’s starting job at field appears safe.

While those moves come as somewhat of a surprise, another unexpected move was the retirement of offensive lineman Jeremy Zver. The Regina Rams product was picked 16th overall by the BC Lions in 2017, but signed with the Riders after not accepting a spot on the Lions’ practice roster.

Chris Jones wasted no time signing two new players to the roster on Tuesday, bringing in international defensive back Daniel Davie and national defensive back Tristan MacDonald-Doughlin.

The Riders also announced that defensive tackle Eddie Steele has been added to the active roster.

The Riders open up their third day of training camp Tuesday as they prepare for their first pre-season game on Sunday, May 27.