Fajardo’s status up in the air as Riders deal with injury bug

The Cody Fajardo watch continues for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Riders’ quarterback did not finish Saturday’s CFL game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after he suffered a concussion while being sacked. The Riders lost the game 33-9.

Fajardo’s status for Friday’s game against the visiting Toronto Argonauts is up in the air.

“He took some reps (Tuesday) but didn’t take them all,” Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said following practice at Mosaic Stadium. “He split some reps with Isaac (Harker) for the most part. (Fajardo) is in (concussion) protocol and we will see how he does tonight.

“He’s got to get through a full week with no setbacks. We’ve got to gradually ramp up his activity and he’s got to feel good doing so. What the deal is is you start real slow and if he feels good, you give him a little more. If he feels fine, you give him a little more.

“At the end of the week, you have to be sure you stress him enough so you can get an honest answer on how he feels and about whether he’s ready.”

Fajardo left the game against Winnipeg after completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 169 yards and an interception. When he couldn’t continue, Harker — a second-season CFLer — came into the game and completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 89 yards.

If Harker is called upon to try and get the win over the Argos, Dickenson feels confident in the 25-year-old.

“I’m confident in all of our quarterbacks. If Cody can go, he will go. If he can’t go, it will be Isaac. I’m confident we can win a game with Isaac at quarterback. We’ve done it in the past and I think he’s more than capable of doing what we need to do to win,” Dickenson said.

Harker’s last start came on Nov. 2, 2019, in a 23-13 win over the Edmonton Football Team after Fajardo suffered torn oblique muscles. Harker said he has never had a full week of starter reps in practice in the CFL.

“The more you can see things and the more physical reps you can take, the better,” Harker said. “(It’s) not necessarily for understanding the plays but for getting timing with your receivers. I think that is the most important part.”

The quarterback position isn’t the only one dealing with injuries. While defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy (ribs) was back on the field Tuesday, the defensive backfield was still down two starters. Ed Gainey (toe) and Mike Edem (wrist) both didn’t practise.

While Dickenson is hopeful Gainey will be able to practise this week, Edem isn’t expected to be able to practise. Christian Campbell started at cornerback Tuesday while Elie Bouka was at safety.

Defensive lineman Garrett Marino (knee) is also not expected to be ready to go this week.

Linebacker A.J. Hendy (illness) was also absent Tuesday.