Fajardo, a ‘warrior,’ settles in as Riders’ franchise pivot
Cody Fajardo’s first practice since signing a two-year contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders took place without incident.
“Seven-on-seven was pretty nerve-racking, because I didn’t want my first pass to be an interception,” the 27-year-old quarterback said Tuesday.
Everything turned out fine, as practice at the University of Regina proceeded in regular fashion.
“Nothing really changes preparation-wise or for me as a person,” Fajardo added.
“It has been pretty surreal to see all the people who are in my corner, who are rooting for me and have been with me through the whole process of being a guy who didn’t know if he would make the roster, until signing a contract and feeling good about it.”
The Riders also feel good about having Fajardo locked up until 2021. His first contract with Saskatchewan, a one-year deal, expires in February.
“It’s big for the organization and it’s a really good thing for him personally,” said Riders left guard Brendon Labatte, who is signed through the 2021 season. “Any time you can lock up a guy who has that much potential (it is beneficial), and if it wouldn’t have gotten done, he would have had a lot of options out there to play. When you can retain a guy of his calibre, it’s definitely a good thing for the organization.”
Fajardo has been the Riders’ starting quarterback since Zach Collaros was concussed on the third play of the regular season. Fajardo has started the past 15 games, winning 11 times.
He’s second in the CFL in passing yards (3,873) and has thrown 16 touchdown passes against eight interceptions. He has 610 rushing yards (seventh-best in the CFL) and rushed for 10 TDS (fourth).
“Cody is a warrior,” Riders receiver Naaman Roosevelt said. “He’s our leader. He’s battling every play, trying to get first downs for us, running through people and trying to make plays for us. When you have a quarterback like that, who does it all, it definitely makes a receiver want to play for him.”
Roosevelt is on a one-year contract that he signed during the off-season. He suggested having stability at quarterback could influence his decision to re-sign with the Riders.
“Our chemistry is getting better and we’ve been working on it on and off the field,” Roosevelt said. “We’ve been talking a lot and just getting an understanding of each other so (Fajardo’s re-signing) definitely (makes a difference).”
For now, the Riders’ focus remains on Saturday’s game in Edmonton against the Eskimos, and playoff positioning in the West Division.
The Riders (11-5) can clinch a home playoff game with a win or tie on Saturday.
The Calgary Stampeders (11-5) can lock up a home playoff game with a win over the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-7) on Friday. The Stampeders would clinch first place in the West Division with a win over the Blue Bombers and a Riders loss. NOTES: Receiver Manny Arceneaux and left tackle Takoby Cofield were both practising with the starters Tuesday. Arceneaux was in for Jordan Williams-lambert, who had started the previous three games. Cofield replaced Terran Vaughn. … Defensive tackle Micah Johnson was practising after missing one game with an ankle injury. … Collaros, who was traded to the Toronto Argonauts by the Riders and eventually to the Blue Bombers, worked with Winnipeg’s starters Tuesday for the first time. With Chris Streveler nursing an injured right ankle, Collaros may start against the Stampeders . ... National defensive back Shamar Busby was added to the Riders’ practice roster.
It has been pretty surreal to see all the people who are in my corner, who are rooting for me and have been with me.