Riders rookie Dolegala to start at quarterback against Argos

Jake Dolegala is to start his first CFL game Sunday.

A day after saying the 25-year-old quarterback would start Sunday against the Toronto Argonauts and then backtracking on that statement, Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson provided clarification on the quarterback situation on Friday.

“I would say we’re not sure, but I don’t think anyone would believe me. So yes, Jake will be our starter,” Dickenson said after a closed practice at Mosaic Stadium.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game at Mosaic Stadium is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 3 p.m.

Cody Fajardo and Mason Fine were both listed as being out with an illness Thursday. Dickenson said neither of those quarterbacks was on the field Friday, either.

Fajardo is also dealing with a knee injury. The Riders’ emergency backup quarterback is cornerback Nick Marshall, who played the position at Auburn University. But he also is expected to miss this week’s game due to an illness.

As a result, Dolegala has been the lone quarterback at practice this week.

The Riders have been dealing with a COVID outbreak that forced the cancellation of two practices earlier in the week.

“(Fajardo and Fine) both (missed practice) so hopefully we will get them both out here (Saturday). As of now, it’s Jake and whomever of those two are ready to roll,” Dickenson said.

Fajardo has started all six of the Roughriders’ games this season, with Fine as his backup. Dolegala, the team’s third quarterback, has been a healthy scratch in all six games.

“It’d be awesome (to start). It’s kind of a dream to start at a professional level. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity. If I’m able to start, that would be pretty darn cool,” Dolegala said Thursday.

Dolegala appeared in both pre-season games for the Riders, throwing for 147 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Prior to joining the Riders, Dolegala spent time in the NFL with two stints with each of the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers. He also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins.