The sheriff is back in town: Trevor Harris returns as Riders host the Alouettes

The sheriff is back in town.

Saskatchewan Roughriders starting quarterback Trevor Harris will return to the CFL club’s lineup for Friday’s game against the Montreal Alouettes. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.

The 38-year-old quarterback admits he’s missed being out on the field with the game on the line.

“That’s what you live for. There were a couple of games where we had game-winning drives and I try to not say too much to Shea (Patterson) because when he’s playing, I want him to know he’s driving the car,” Harris said. “That’s why this entire time, you’re striving to get back but making sure you’re being smart about putting your team in a good situation.”

Harris has missed the past six games due to MCL and slight ACL injuries.

“The first week or so, it kind of ballooned up and swelled up quite a bit and it was tough walking-wise,” Harris said. “Just getting the results from the MRI and once you get that, that’s when you can attack the rehab. It was really about getting the swelling down so that we could start getting a more effective range of motion.

“Really the big thing was waiting on the ACL and MCL to kind of heal so that you’re not putting yourself in a situation where it can retear and that sort of thing.”

He admitted that on his way into practice on Thursday, he cried due to the emotions of knowing every game is special at this point in his career.

“Just thankful and grateful. My mom got into town last night and she sent me a song about just how fast life goes,” Harris said. “Shoot, I’m 38-years-old. I wanted to play a couple years of pro football so I could build my resume to coach and now it’s 15 years in. Praise Jesus I got to play this long.

The team, who was 3-0 in games started by Harris, went 2-3-1 without him.

Prior to his injury, Harris had thrown for 872 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

Harris believes that he can pick right back up from where he left off.

“I don’t see why not,” Harris said. “It’s just about trusting your progressions, taking what the defence gives you, and taking your shots when they are given to you. A lot of times the defence is going to dictate where the ball goes and it’s my job to deliver the mail on time and let these guys do their thing with it.”

He missed most of last season with a tibial plateau fracture.

This would be the first time Harris has faced his former team since he left during the 2023 CFL offseason.

Als quarterback Cody Fajardo, who is the reigning Grey Cup MVP, will be in a backup role for this game according to the Montreal Alouettes depth chart. Fajardo was the starting quarterback in Saskatchewan from 2019-22, competing in two CFL West Division finals.

Davis Alexander will get the start. Alexander came into the first meeting between these two clubs at halftime and put up 17 unanswered points to beat the Riders 20-16.

The Riders will also get back running back AJ Ouellette (hip), linebacker Jameer Thurman (elbow) and wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (head) to the lineup this week.