The Saskatchewan Roughriders re-signed offensive lineman Nick Jones to the active roster and linebacker Zachary Philion to the practice squad on Saturday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Nick Jones is six foot three and weighs 300 pounds. The 24-year-old from Byhalia, Mississippi, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Jones on July 16, 2024. He played in six games for the Roughriders in 2024. The Roughriders released him on October 25, 2024.
Collegiately, Jones played one season at East Mississippi Community College in 2019 playing 10 games for the Lions. The Lions’ offense averaged 457.4 yards of total offense per game and 34.8 points per game. They ranked seventh nationally in total offense and No. 12 in scoring offense. He was named Second Team All-MACCC in 2019.
Then, Jones transferred to Mississippi State (2021-23) playing left tackle and left guard in 32 games, of which 25 were starts for the Bulldogs making two tackles (2 solo). In 2023, the Bulldogs’ offense averaged 21.83 points per game, 328.6 yards per game, 146.8 rushing yards per game, 181.83 passing yards per game, and 30 touchdowns in 12 games finishing with a 5-7 record.
Zachary Philion is six foot one and weighs 221 pounds. The 25-year-old from Buffalo, New York, was drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in the seventh round (58th pick) in the 2024 CFL Draft. Philion appeared in two preseason games for the Redblacks recording no stats. After the preseason, he was placed on the practice squad.
The Redblacks released Philion on June 19, 2024. The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Philion on August 13, 2024. He appeared in one game for the Roughriders in 2024 recording no stats. The Roughriders released him on August 31, 2024. Saskatchewan re-signed Philion on September 27, 2024. He appeared in two more games making one tackle on special teams. The Roughriders released him on October 25, 2024.
Collegiately, Philion played one season at New Mexico Military Institute in 2019 making nine tackles (6 solo, 3 assists), one interception, and two pass breakups in eight games for the Broncos.
Then, he transferred to Concordia (2021-23) making 103 tackles (69 solo, 34 assists), 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception for two yards, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 24 games for the Stingers.
