As Saskatchewan Roughriders receivers battle through a slew of injuries, one name continues to be found on the stat sheet: KeeSean Johnson. When the offence is at full strength with Kian Schaffer-Baker and Samuel Emilus in the lineup, it’s often Johnson who falls into the shadows for opposing defences. However, with Saskatchewan’s two most dangerous weapons hurt, number three’s production has been ‘Kee’. “Every play is important,” Johnson told reporters after Saskatchewan’s 28-24 victory over Toronto. “When your quarterback gives you a chance and leaves you to go make those plays – I pride myself on that.” His importance was underscored Saturday night with a crucial touchdown reception in the fourth quarter and a game-high 146 receiving yards on 10 catches – 14 targets. The majority of those yards came as time ticked down in the second half. “There’s a couple plays we could have connected on in the first half,” Johnson added. “With the defence, we came in here and made some adjustments and saw what they were able to do and [we] went at it.” Through 11 games in 2026, Johnson is just 10 yards shy of notching back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Last year, en route to a Grey Cup championship, the Fresno State product caught a career-high 1,159 yards on 86 catches and added four touchdowns. This season Johnson leads the Riders in targets (112), catches (77) and receiving touchdowns (7). “I try not to look at the stats in the middle of the year,” he said humbly. “I’ll look at it at the end of the year and see where I am, but I’m grateful. My coaches are believing in me and are giving me the chances to get the opportunity to do that.” Supporting cast continues strong production Johnson, however, isn’t the only one relied on to catch the ball. The cast surrounding him also continues to step up. Dhel Duncan-Busby made four catches Saturday for 82 yards and Daniel Wiebe added 56 yards on six receptions. After signing with Saskatchewan on Tuesday, Shemar Bridges was able to make two catches with the Green and White in his first start. D’Sean Mimbs also had one catch for 18 yards. “Obviously we have Sam, Schaef, KeeSean ... but that’s an opportunity right now for Dhel or Daniel Wiebe – who I thought was terrific tonight,” said quarterback Trevor Harris. “For those guys to be able to step up in big moments, super happy for those guys. Obviously KeeSean being KeeSean tonight.” Their performances also earned praise from Saskatchewan’s head coach. “Every dang receiver made a big play for us tonight,” said Corey Mace. “We needed everybody; credit to Trevor for not turning his eye off anybody. If you get open, the quarterback will find you.” Inside the room, it’s no surprise the production keeps coming and it may have to stop being a surprise to those outside it. “It speaks to the depth of our team,” Wiebe said. “The standard doesn’t change, right? No matter who’s in there, they’ve got to go compete. You’ve got to win that job, you’ve got to be able to play well; it doesn’t change. We got that depth and I think we really showed it today.”
