Roughriders’ Jermarcus Hardrick out long-term with quad injury

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will need to fill a big part of their offensive line for the foreseeable future.

Right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick left the field in the Riders’ 35-20 loss to the B.C. Lions last week.

An update from Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace on Tuesday wasn’t good news, with Hardrick out with a quad injury.

“He’s going to get some things worked on. Unfortunately, it’s going to be long term for him,” Mace said after practice at Mosaic Stadium.

The injury is similar to what offensive guard Philip Blake suffered in the team’s Week 2 33-30 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Much like Blake, Mace isn’t ruling out a return for Hardrick later in the season.

“It’s going to be long-term. It’s unfortunate for him, and unfortunate for everybody obviously. Taking to Yosh (Hardrick), he’s going to do his rehab and stuff here. Having that personality around is still huge for us as a team,” Mace said.

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Hardrick joined the Riders this season after spending the past eight years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning two Grey Cups there and appearing in two more.

He was added to help shore up the Riders’ offensive line after being named the CFL West Division’s most outstanding offensive lineman last season.

Coming in for Hardrick will be Jacob Brammer, who will make his first CFL start. Brammer played some snaps in the preseason at both left and right guard. The 25-year-old played a season at Vanderbilt before coming to the CFL, where he started 11 games and recorded 718 snaps — all at right tackle.

Brammer had also been getting reps during practice at right tackle before Hardrick’s injury.

“It’s good we took the time to give him those reps during the last few weeks,” Mace said. “He showed really well in the preseason and a lot of the things we try to do, he does naturally as well.

“We have some other guys that have some playing experience and other guys champing at the bit as well but we’re going to start there with our eyes on Brammer and see where that goes.”

Brammer will try to keep quarterback Shea Patterson upright against the Bombers’ defence.

Patterson is making his third straight start due to an MCL injury to Trevor Harris.

Mace said Harris is, “progressing extremely well” in his recovery process.

“We’re pleased with him,” Mace said. “He’s trending extremely well for us. I caught him in the gym this morning. He is doing everything we expected.

“All signs are pointing positive for Trevor.”

The Riders host the Bombers at Mosaic Stadium on Friday. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m.

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