Fajardo given starting job, Harker will still play

The game of quarterback musical chairs is continuing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019.

While veteran Cody Fajardo will get the start, Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson said Isaac Harker will still see some playing time in Thursday’s game against the host Ottawa Redblacks.

“We’re going to give Cody that opportunity to get out there and go,” Dickenson said after practice Tuesday. “(Fajardo has) done a good job all week  but Harker’s going to play.”

The team’s starting quarterback coming into the season, Zach Collaros, is on the six-game injured list following a hit from Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence in the teams’ Week 1 CFL matchup on June 13.

Dickenson said his team will have a plan for when Harker enters the game this week and it’s ultimately up to how offensive co-ordinator Stephen McAdoo wants to use the quarterbacks.

“A lot of it is feel, especially in the second half,” Dickenson said. “We will try to get (Harker) some work early in the game but in the second half we’re trying to win the game so whoever’s hot at that point (will play).”

Fajardo came on in relief when Collaros had to leave the game in Hamilton. Fajardo finished the game with 66 passing yards on eight completions in 14 attempts. He also rushed for a touchdown.

“(Collaros) was very supportive on the sideline and was a big fan of mine,” Fajardo said. “He was helping me tremendously and it was awesome to have him so committed to the game and wanting us to win.”

Fajardo joined the team this past off-season after spending two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts and one with the B.C. Lions as the backup quarterback.

He said he hasn’t been pencilled in as the starter since his time at the University of Nevada but is looking forward to the chance to do it in the CFL.

“I know the guys have my back. The offensive linemen and receivers have said, ‘Hey, we’re going to pick you up,’ and I just want to hope that I can make everyone play better with my ability and hopefully we can go out and get a victory,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo was forced into concussion protocol during the game after his head bounced off the turf while taking a hit. That opened the door for Harker to enter his first regular-season CFL game.

“It’s nice to just have the experience of live bullets flying and playing with your veteran guys and get that familiarity,” Harker said.

The rookie finished the game completing eight of 14 passes for 128 yards but threw two interceptions.

“I knew that I left a lot of plays out there,” Harker said. “Even if we move the ball, I still have to be more precise and move the ball for my teammates. I think we could have won if I played a little cleaner.”

Harker joins the team after spending his senior year at the Colorado School of Mines after transferring from Indiana State. In his final year of college, he threw for 3,858 yards, 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games.

Harker admitted he still has a lot to learn and improve on to become a successful quarterback in the CFL.

“Even when you mess up in practice, that’s some valuable insight to use in the next rep,” Harker said. “(Fajardo and Collaros) are the reason that I’m where I’m at mentally right now and with some of the physical things I have to tweak.”

While Fajardo and Harker are competing for the job, Harker said both have been working together to ensure the team is put in the best position to succeed.

“I have Cody’s back 1,000 per cent so if he’s starting the game I want him to be out there for the whole game dealing,” Harker said. “If something happens, like his helmet malfunctions or something, I’ll be ready to go in and make a play and if (Fajardo’s) ready to back come out, it’s (his team).”

The team also signed quarterback Bryan Bennett on Sunday to give it three quarterbacks.

Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Green Zone pre-game show gets underway at 3 p.m.