There are still some hurdles that have to be crossed, but Riders head coach Craig Dickenson believes quarterback Cody Fajardo will be under center when the green-and-white look to end a two-game losing streak Friday night when they entertain the Toronto Argonauts.
Fajardo had to leave Saturday’s 33-9 loss in Winnipeg after sustaining a concussion when the back of his head hit the turf following a sack by Bombers defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, but following a closed practice on Wednesday, Dickenson thought Fajardo would be back.
“We increased his repetitions a little bit today,” Dickenson said. “He looked fine and we think that he’s going to be all right. He still has a few things that he has to clear in terms of concussion protocol, but we feel like he should be able to go for the game.”
If Fajardo can’t go, Isaac Harker would get the start with the backup being Paxton Lynch.
While it is expected Fajardo will play, two members of the starting defence will not as Dickenson said defensive lineman Garrett Marino will not play because of a knee injury while safety Mike Edem won’t suit up after breaking his wrist. Dickenson says it is not clear if Edem will go on the one or six-game injury list. It is expected defensive backs Ed Gainey and Loucheiz Purifoy will be back on the field after missing the Winnipeg game.
The team added to its secondary depth on Wednesday by bring back Jeremy Clark.
The 26-year-old was at training camp but was released, Clark played his college ball at the University of Michigan and spent time with the XFL’s Seattle Dragons. He has also spent time on the active and practice roster of the New York Jets from 2017-2019.
