So did linebackers Rodney Clemons and Diego Fagot, newly drafted receiver Ajou Ajou and former NFL receiver KeeSean Johnson, running back Frankie Hickson and defensive back Deontai Williams.

All are trying to play this season for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, who opened their pre-season Monday with a 25-12 victory over the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers. As journeymen and newcomers, they needed to make enough of an impression to remain on the roster for a final pre-season game Saturday against the hometown Edmonton Elks.

They did.

Hickson and Ajou scored touchdowns. After spending the first week of training camp running with the Number Ones, Johnson showed deep-threat potential on a reception negated by one of his team’s dumb penalties, an issue that needs to be cleaned up ASAP. Clemons had three tackles and a sack, Fagot intercepted a pass while Williams, who played 14 games last season, again proved himself a worthy replacement for gone-and-hopefully-forgotten cornerback Nic Marshall.

Patterson threw pinpoint passes and capably conducted Saskatchewan’s new-look offence in a lengthy audition. A five-year veteran with his third CFL team, Patterson is looking to leapfrog Mason Fine as the backup to starting quarterback Trevor Harris.

Fine didn’t even throw a pass in his limited appearance Monday, but the fourth-year veteran will likely get a longer look in Edmonton.