Rider training camp: Team brings back Noah Zerr to depleted O-line
The Riders have re-signed the national offensive lineman to re-stock a depleted O-line following a long-term injury to center Sean McEwen and the absence of Philippe Gagnon from Monday's practice session.
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Noah Zerr is back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after being released last week.
“Football’s a crazy sport,” Zerr admitted Tuesday following practice at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon’s Nutrien Park.
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“I loved playing for the Riders last year. I think, when they let me go, on kind of Day 3, the mind-set was just to stay ready, stay positive. It’s a crazy business and there are opportunities popping up left, right and centre. So i just tried to stay out my own way, stay in my notebook, stay in my film from what I could get and, yeah, just stay ready.
“I was all for it. I think I had a good year here last year. It’s just building on that and getting better every day.”
The Riders re-signed the national offensive lineman — a former member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies — to re-stock a depleted O-line following a long-term injury to center Sean McEwen and subsequent injury to guard Philippe Gagnon.
“Like we talked about some hard decisions, when it came down to ending up letting him go off the last cuts, but, as I spoke to him, we still think highly of the kid and happy as hell that he’s able to come back,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said in a post-practice scrum Tuesday.
“For him, it’s just another opportunity for him to go ahead and push forward and still stay on the same journey that he had for himself in his mind. And, who knows, maybe just a little bit of re-charge for him. Happy as hell to have him back. I know his brothers are happy to have him back, just like us coaches.”
During the Green and White Day, Mace revealed that McEwen, a key free-agent addition in the off-season, would be “out for a while.”
Gagnon’s arm was in a sling during practice Tuesday. He was expected to go get some medical imaging done following practice.
“We should have a better idea, probably tomorrow, exactly what it is,” noted Mace, adding that the team was looking for confirmation on the extent of the injury.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Zerr returns to the Green and White after suiting up for 11 games for the Riders last season. As a member of a versatile O-line group, he helped the offence generate 5,019 passing yards and 1,613 rushing yards. In addition, the offensive line allowed just 35 sacks — six shy of the league’s best total.
Zerr, a native of Langenburg, Sask., was selected by the B.C. Lions in the second round (12th overall) of the 2022 CFL Draft and appeared in four games during his rookie season. He spent the 2023 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and played in three games before signing with Saskatchewan in December of 2023.
Zerr spent five seasons with the U of S Huskies from 2016-2022, appearing in 41 games, primarily as a starting left tackle. In 2021, he helped the Huskies win the Hardy Cup and Uteck Bowl. That same year, Zerr received multiple accolades, including U Sports First-Team all-Canadian and Canada West all-star honours, while also being named the Huskies’ lineman of the year.
“There are always rumours (about a possible return),” said Zerr. “I always try to lead with my best foot forward and try and leave a lasting impression. I think that, when things like this happen, and you do get released, there’s always kind of that hope that maybe it works out in the future. I wasn’t expecting it to work out so fast, but I’m very happy to be back. I’m very happy to be back on the field with the guys and competing every day and getting better.
“It’s one of those things where it happens, you hope to be back and it’s kind of whoever’s going to pay the bills. I’m just glad it was the Riders.”
RIDERS BACK IN THE GROOVE
Coach Mace felt that Tuesday’s session was much better than Monday’s.
“It was,” said Mace. “I think the compete level was high, for sure. Pleased with how these guys responded in that. Another back-and-forth (scrimmage). Offence had some big plays. Run game-wise, as well, they did a good job, but the compete level was high.”
While the Riders brass wants to see the compete level as high as possible, especially in the trenches, they want the players to be smart about it, too.
“There’s a way to compete at a high level, but also way to be smart and be safe around your teammates,” said Mace. “It’s something we need to be a little better at, as far as today. But it is a fine line competing the way these guys are. We’ve just got to be a little smarter towards the end of the whistle.”
One of the newcomers trying to establish himself in the trenches is rookie import Payton Collins.
“Big Red,” said Mace. “Awesome human being. His college tape was outstanding. Massive, massive man who can move pretty good too. I think the group of offensive lineman, specifically the group of tackles and the young group of tackles behind the guys we have at the one’s right now, are excellent, man. I’ve been very pleased with Payton.”
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