Riders’ Trevor Harris cleared to practise, ’50-50′ to play this week

It’s the question every Rider fan has been asking since quarterback Trevor Harris went down with an injury: When will he be back?

Riders’ head coach Corey Mace said it could happen this week.

“Trevor has officially been cleared to get out there and practise with us,” Mace said on Monday.

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“I know he’s super pumped about that. Everybody’s pumped about it. We are on a short week, but to get him in there and get him some reps, I know that’s something he’s been itching for, for a long time.”

The 38-year-old Harris suffered a sprained MCL in Week 3 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and has been working toward his recovery every since.

“We wanted to make sure that we (brought him back) in exactly the right way, and so credit to his preparation and his patience, but he’s been cleared to practise, and that’s great news,” said Mace.

But, Mace noted, Harris has not yet been taken off the six-game injured list.

“It is a possibility,” Mace said about Harris playing this week in Ottawa, “but it’s a 50-50 possibility.”

There’s no time to dwell on Saturday’s loss to the previously winless Edmonton Elks, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders look ahead to Thursday’s matchup against the Ottawa Redblacks.

It’s the shortest week of the season for the Riders, with just five days of recovery. Meanwhile, the Redblacks are coming off their second bye week of the season.

The Riders have changed their practice schedule for the short week, opting to practice later in the day to give players more time to recover. Saskatchewan receiver Shawn Bane Jr. said there’s no cutting corners when it comes to getting the mind and body ready for a game.

“You gotta be able to hydrate. You gotta eat good food,” Bane Jr. said.

“A little more rest, a little more Zs in the bed, and more time in the tubs. Compression boots, or whatever we need to do, massages, chiropractors and things like that.”

“I think our coach is gonna do a great job of taking care of us,” said defensive lineman Miles Brown.

“It’s on me and all of the guys individually to get in the tubs (and) get treatment where they need it. Of course eating right, sleeping right on this short week, getting as much recovery as you can to be able to go into a Thursday game ready to play,” said Brown.

Kickoff for the game in Ottawa is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Notes: The Riders announced on Monday two new signings, including American defensive lineman Eric Black and national offensive lineman Braydon Noll.