Riders release American receiver Austin Watkins Jr.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American receiver Austin Watkins Jr. after less than two weeks with the club.

The six-foot-three, 210-pound target signed with the team on August 7 and spent the duration of his stay on the practice squad. Watkins originally joined the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, earning a spot on the practice roster. Earlier in 2022, he spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 24-year-old played three collegiate seasons (2018-2020) at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. In 25 games, the former Blazer made 98 catches for 1,642 yards and nine touchdowns. Watkins Jr. earned First Team All-Conference USA recognition as a senior and was also named to the Second Team All-Conference USA following the 2019 season.

The Florida native previously spent two seasons (2016-17) at Dodge City Community College, making 62 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns.