Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Malcolm Bell has made a good impression early in his CFL career, and it may have earned him an opportunity to start in the secondary this week against the B.C. Lions. “I’m really excited,” the rookie cornerback told reporters Tuesday. “That’s a chance I’ve been waiting for and I’ve been ready for it. There’s another chance coming; I’m ready and I’m excited to be there.” Bell was selected by the Roughriders in the first round, ninth overall in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft in late April. After attending the Cleveland Browns mini camp, he arrived late to Saskatchewan’s training camp but fit in right away with a pass breakup and an interception in the preseason. The Michigan State product admits he has had to transition back to the CFL-style of game. “[I learned] just being aggressive,” Bell said about his time with the Spartans. “They make you ready for the pros … [I’ve learned] the scheme and just getting better every day. It’s still the same playbook as Week 1, it’s just all about execution.” Bell has appeared in all 13 games so far this season for Saskatchewan. However, the vast majority of his playing time has been on special teams. With limited defensive snaps played, Bell does have two tackles in addition to his three on specials. That play on kick and punt coverage earned the trust of his coaching staff to up the responsibility. “He’s reacclimated himself with the CFL game,” head coach Corey Mace said after practice Tuesday. “He’s a studious kid – I call them all kids – but he’s wise beyond his years. We’re working as many reps as we can for these guys so we can find the right combination as we head down the back stretch [of the season].” “[Bell’s] a sponge,” added veteran defensive back Nelson Lokombo. “He soaks everything in and I’m really excited for him.” A start Friday night in Vancouver against the Lions would pit him up against a powerful B.C. offence. Led by reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian Nathan Rourke at quarterback, the Lions’ receiving core includes three players in the top 20 for receiving yards – Keon Hatcher, Justin McInnis and Jermaine Jackson. Hatcher is just 51 yards from securing his fourth 1,000-yard receiving season of his career. Bell says he is ready for the challenge. “The first couple of weeks, you just do [what] was on paper; you don’t really know exactly what you look at and your indicators,” he added. “Now, I really know what to look at; it’s easy, I can be faster because I know what to look at.” He is also not feeling any additional pressure. “I’m fresh, I’m the rookie,” Bell said about facing Rourke and the Lions. “[Rourke] is the one who’s got to prove he’s one of the best players in the league. I’ve seen what I’ve seen; he’s been playing the league and every week, everybody talks about him. I’ve seen the highlights, but no pressure on me; I’m the rookie.” The Riders will announce their roster for Friday night’s game against the Lions Thursday morning, where Bell’s starting spot may be confirmed.
