As the Saskatchewan Roughriders start to wrap up their one-week quarantine before their 2021 training camp, Riders QB Cody Fajardo is ready to get back on the field.
Joining Derek Taylor on the Sportscage, Fajardo says his home quarantine was better because he was with family, but a bit of relief came on Wednesday.
“We got to be in Mosaic (Stadium), which was a lot of fun,” Fajardo said. “Just being back and getting chills when running on the field has been big, but I’m not going to lie to you, it been tough for a lot of guys just quarantining, you kind of go stir-crazy because you’re studying your plays, and then you’re having meetings about the plays, and then you’re watching film of the plays, and it’s just non-stop.”
Fajardo says the Canadian receivers have a real chance to be effective.
“In my personal opinion, the way you win in the CFL is by having great Canadian talent,” Fajardo said. “If those guys can step up for us, and they had a great ending to the (2019 season) — I know (Justin) McInnis definitely did — and (Brayden) Lenius saw the field, but just having that whole year just to watch film and understand the X’s and O’s more.”
Fajardo says he normally enters camp much heavier, adding it’s already proven to be a big difference.
“You have more room for flexibility, and so I know that my arm actually is healthier when I am not all beefed up,” Fajardo said. “I’m able to actually feel much better and more consistent when I’m throwing as opposed to getting tight or getting sore after a workout.”
Training camp kicks off on Saturday. The Riders will host the BC Lions on Friday, August 6th, to start the 2021 season on the Roughrider Radio Network.
