KeeSean Johnson back in Riders’ lineup in CFL clash against Argos

KeeSean Johnson once again found himself in a familiar spot in his pro career.

After getting the start in Week 1, in which the East Palo Alto, Cal., product caught one pass for one yard, the Saskatchewan Roughriders changed up how it deploys their ratio, moving to three starting Canadian wide receivers.

So the CFL receiver has been a healthy scratch the past two games.

“It’s nothing I haven’t been in. I have been in these shoes before but I’m just excited – going to have to keep working hard and keep my head down and keep grinding,” Johnson said.

He will rejoin the starting lineup this week due to slotback Shawn Bane Jr. missing the game due to personal reasons. The Riders host the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

The 27-year-old pass catcher enjoyed plenty of success in college at Fresno State with the Bulldogs.

During his five seasons there – redshirted as a freshman – he compiled 275 catches for 3,463 yards and 24 touchdowns. He is the program’s all-time leader in catches and receiving yards.

Johnson was taken in the sixth round (174th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

He dressed in 18 games for the Cardinals over two seasons, starting in five. His career NFL stats are 26 catches for 360 yards and a touchdown on Oct. 31, 2019, in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.

“I ran the right route and ran the right play and Kyler (Murray) put the ball up there and I just made the play,” Johnson said. “My dad has the ball. My first touchdown was going to go to my dad.”

After two years in Arizona, Johnson bounced around the NFL with stops on the practice rosters of the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills.

This week the Riders will also have a new quarterback with Shea Patterson making his first CFL start. Patterson gets the chance after Trevor Harris was put onto the six-game injured list with what the team is calling a moderate MCL injury.

“He’s confident. He has played on the big stage before and is a confident guy. He has the ability to be a great player,” Johnson said. “Just have to go out there and show it and have fun.”

Riders head coach Corey Mace has confidence in Johnson as he returns to the lineup.

“I’m excited to see what his season is going to look like,” Mace said. “He’s had a great week. It’s just another receiver – I would not be shocked if it’s KeeSean Johnson’s day.”

Johnson is also ready to once again show what he can do on the field.

“I’m just ready to go out there and ball with the fellas. Just get on tape and play the game that I love and have fun,” Johnson said.