A passively actuated, cage phased roller clutch improves the timing and accuracy of the roller shift by providing each cage pocket with an individual cushioning unit that maintains continual, resilient contact with both sides of the roller. Roller shifting is immediate, since there is no roller-pocket play. In addition, the particular shape for the cushioning unit disclosed has resilient side walls that wrap around the roller and pulls it up and out of rubbing contact with the pathway during overrun, keeping the rollers in a uniform lockup ready position.