Roughriders’ Zack Fry to start in his first CFL game in Ottawa

Zack Fry is going to get to have someone special in the stands for his first CFL start — his dad Chuck.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.

The 23-year-old offensive guard is from London, Ont. and his dad is making the six-hour drive to come to the game.

“Him being there for my first start is going to be pretty special. I’m excited about that,” Fry said. “I’m probably going to be a little more nervous trying to find him in the stands and everything. I know he’s going to be there yelling at me if I mess up.”

Fry was originally taken in the second round (16^th overall) by the Riders in the 2022 draft after being a standout with the Western Mustangs. He returned to Western after training camp that season to complete his fourth year there.

In 2023, Fry appeared in four games in his first season and he has dressed for six games this season as the team’s sixth offensive lineman.

“It’s definitely cool. You wish those injuries don’t happen so you’re not shoved into that spot,” Fry said. “Our group does a really good job of preparing for stuff like this. I’m just going to get in there and do what I do and ride with the guys around me.”

Fry said it was good experience to get into games as the team’s backup lineman.

“It definitely prepared me for this. Going against guys and live bullets is definitely a little different than practice,” Fry said. “Just going to try to put it all together and play a full game out there.”

Fry will be the ninth different offensive lineman to start for the Riders this season. Centre Peter Godber, right guard Logan Ferland and left tackle Trevor Reid have started every game this season.

Philip Blake began the season at left guard but suffered a serious quad injury in Week 2. Ryan Sceviour came in and started since then but suffered an elbow injury that landed him on the six-game injured list.

Meanwhile at right tackle, Jermarcus Hardrick also suffered a serious quad injury, Jacob Brammer (hamstring) was injured in practice before the team’s 42-31 loss to the Edmonton Elks and Brandon Council retired from football following the game.

That means Nick Jones will start at right tackle — the 10^th different player to suit up along the line. Jones signed with the team on July 16. It’s his first CFL season after three seasons at Mississippi State.

“It speaks to our room and the depth that we have and the way we prepare,” Fry said.

Head coach Corey Mace has full faith in the two new starters along the offensive line.

“We’ve been in that situation all year at the offensive line position,” Mace said. “Fry played really well so it’s good he got that game under his belt. With Nick and playing some SEC ball, he has played some good football.”

“I know he is excited for the opportunity and will be out there with guys who have played a lot of games. Communication is key from that standpoint,” Mace said. “At the end of it, the ball is snapped and it’s football.”

The Riders have also added linebacker Jameer Thurman (elbow) to the six-game injured list. C.J. Avery will start in his place.