Whatever chatter exists about the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ decision to keep four quarterbacks on their season opening roster, a team icon at that very position believes it’s the only logical way forward.
The Riders announced this year’s cuts and reassignments Saturday with Trevor Harris, Jack Coan, Brayden Schager and Tommy Stevens all remaining on the active roster.
Harris, who will enter the 2026 as the CFL’s fourth-oldest player, led Saskatchewan to its fifth Grey Cup in November, with Stevens, Coan and Jake Maier in supporting roles. Maier served as the primary backup to Harris and has since taken the reins as starting QB for the Ottawa RedBlacks, while Schager made an impression in training camp as a 23-year-old rookie out of the University of Hawaii.
“I think you have to (keep all four) at this point given that Trevor's this late in his career and you never know what can happen,” Durant told SportsCage radio host Teagan Witko on Monday’s show.
“They're trying to find the next guy. And I think you have to give each guy every single opportunity possible. You don't want to leave any page unturned in the competition.”
Not that Harris is showing any sign of slowing down of course.
His 425 yards passing last July 12 was his best single-game total in three seasons with the Riders. He was named Saskatchewan’s most outstanding player and the Grey Cup game’s most valuable player, while setting both team single-season and Grey Cup game records for completion percentage.
But inevitably a successor will also be required at some point in the future, be it Coan, Schager, Stevens or someone else altogether.
“All of these guys show potential,” Durant continued. “They show that they have some type of ability to go out and lead a team up and down the field. So now it's just about giving them more and more time to compete, to see who can come out on top.”
Through the Riders’ two-game preseason schedule, Schager completed 64.9 per cent of his passes (24-for-37) for 318 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, adding six rushes for 42 yards and another TD on the ground. Coan completed 57.6 per cent of his passes (19-for-33) for 198 yards, similarly with one touchdown and two interceptions, while adding 22 rushing yards on three carries.
“I think more than ever the scout team reps matter. The individual drills every single day at practice,” said Durant. “Usually you go into the season, you know your position. If you're the backup, then you know what you have to do. You're usually not in competition mode. But I think with these guys trying to edge out the job, I think every single rep matters. So I think it's a good problem to have for sure.”
