The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed six players to their practice squad on Sunday, adding depth across offence and defence as the team prepares for the stretch of the season.
New faces in camp
The club added quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger, running back Deon Jackson, defensive lineman Malakai Williams, linebackers Ja’Kobe Clinton and Justin Herdman-Reed, and defensive back Millard ‘Nook’ Bradford III.
The moves give the Roughriders greater positional coverage on the practice roster and provide the coaching staff with more options for game-day preparation.
Background on the newcomers
Eddie Lee Marburger, a 24-year-old from Mission, Texas, stands 5-foot-11 and is listed at 190 pounds. He played four seasons at the University of Texas at San Antonio from 2021 to 2024 before transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2025.
At UTSA, Marburger completed 65 of 120 passes (about 54.2 per cent) for 777 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions across 18 games. His season at Texas Rio Grande Valley drew attention: he completed 199 of 305 attempts (65 per cent) for 2,780 yards, tossed 31 touchdowns against seven interceptions, and added 79 carries for 308 rushing yards and four rushing TDs in 12 games. That season earned him recognition as the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Texas Non-FBS Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Texas.
Running back Deon Jackson, listed at 5-foot-11 and 218 pounds, brings professional experience from both the U.S. Football League and the NFL. Jackson, 27, was protected by the D.C. Defenders on the 2026 UFL Reserve Player List after a season in which he led the Defenders with 91 carries for 449 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, and also caught 12 passes for 84 yards in 10 regular-season games. He added 23 carries for 89 yards and one touchdown across two playoff games en route to the Defenders’ appearance in the United Bowl.
Jackson’s NFL experience includes time with the Indianapolis Colts, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2021. He spent parts of multiple seasons in the NFL, dressing in games and compiling carries and receptions in preseason and regular-season appearances.
What this means for the Roughriders
The practice-squad additions give the Riders more depth at crucial spots. Marburger provides a developmental option at quarterback with recent high-level college production, while Jackson offers a proven professional back who can relieve starters in practice and, if needed, step into game action.
On defence, the additions of Williams, Clinton, Herdman-Reed and Bradford III supplement the team’s rotational options and special-teams personnel. Practice-squad players often serve as the first call when injuries occur or when the coaching staff wants to test matchups without making long-term roster commitments.
- Practice squad signings increase positional competition and preparedness.
- Marburger’s 2025 season at Texas Rio Grande Valley drew significant statistical notice.
- Jackson brings league experience from the UFL and previous NFL stints.
Roster details at a glance
| Player | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Lee Marburger | Quarterback | 24; strong 2025 season at UTRGV; named Dave Campbell’s Texas Non-FBS Offensive POY |
| Deon Jackson | Running back | 27; led D.C. Defenders in carries (2026); prior NFL experience with Colts |
| Malakai Williams | Defensive line | Practice-squad addition to bolster DL rotation |
| Ja’Kobe Clinton | Linebacker | Added to increase LB depth and special-teams options |
| Justin Herdman-Reed | Linebacker | Veteran presence on practice roster |
| Millard ‘Nook’ Bradford III | Defensive back | Added to strengthen secondary depth |
While not every detail about each player’s professional history was released in the team statement, the mix of collegiate success and professional experience suggests the Riders are balancing development with ready-to-step-in talent.
What to watch next
Fans should expect these players to participate in practices and potentially be elevated to the active roster if injuries or performance needs arise. The practice squad is also a proving ground: strong showings in practice can lead to game-day call-ups or longer-term contracts.
The Roughriders have a history of turning practice-squad talent into contributors. For a football province like Saskatchewan, every roster move is followed closely — not just for the impact on wins and losses, but for the stories of players working to seize a chance in professional football.
Coverage will continue as the Riders ready for upcoming games and as the team adjusts its roster in response to performance and health.
