Although it is early in the C-F-L season and the Roughriders have a 2-0 record, the injuries have quickly piled up especially at defensive back. With Nelson Lokombo out right now, Rolan Milligan Jr. expected to miss some time and JuJu Hughes out long-term, the Riders signed James Burgess Jr., who spent training camp last month with the team and appeared in a preseason outing. Burgess Jr. signed with New England as an undrafted free agent before coming up north with the Green and White. Following is the news release from the Riders……
DATE: June 23, 2026
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR26-111
RIDERS INK DB JAMES BURGESS JR.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive back James Burgess Jr.
Burgess Jr. (6’3-190) rejoins the Roughriders, having spent training camp with the Club in 2026. Prior to the Riders, Burgess Jr. signed with the NFL’s New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.
Burgess Jr. spent four collegiate seasons (2021–24) at Alabama State, finishing his senior year with four interceptions while playing cornerback. In 12 games during the 2024 season, he recorded 53 tackles (including four for loss), 10 pass deflections, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
His standout 2024 campaign earned multiple honors, including the Aeneas Williams Award, given to the nation’s top HBCU defensive back, as well as First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SWAC recognition. In 2023, he recorded two interceptions — both returned for touchdowns — alongside 32 tackles and 11 pass deflections in 11 games.
