Saskatchewan

Revamped Roughriders release roster for opener against Argos

With all 12 defensive starters making their Riders debut, head coach and general manager Chris Jones's extreme makeover is ready for Week 1.

Riders host the 0-1 Toronto Argonauts on Thursday night

Head coach and general manager Chris Jones has released his roster for the Roughriders season opener. (CBC)

Rider fans heading to the home opener tomorrow should invest in a program. 

The team released its depth chart for the opener against the Argos Thursday night. All 12 defensive starters are making their Riders debut.

Only a handful of Roughrider veterans are listed as offensive starters. Quarterback Darian Durant will be back under centre after missing most of the last two seasons due to injury. He'll have one familiar target, Rob Bagg, who is playing a new position at slotback for 2016.

New-look D

The entirety of the team's defence has been turned over. Greg Jones starts at middle linebacker against his former team. The Riders prized free agent acquisition, defensive end Shawn Lemon, has been listed as a third-stringer on the line. Former Indianapolis Colts lineman Jonathan Newsome is listed as the starter.

O-line has most continuity

Three starters return on the offensive line: left tackle Xavier Fulton, left guard Brendon LaBatte and centre Dan Clark. Right guard Chris Best has been placed on the six game injured list. Best has been replaced by free agent signee Andrew Jones.

Depth Chart Riders vs Argos