Redblacks get favourable news on injury to veteran quarterback

Marcel Desjardins was breathing a little sigh of relief Monday.

The Ottawa Redblacks general manager said quarterback Drew Tate is listed as week-to-week with an arm-shoulder injury sustained in last weekend’s 29-11 win over the Montreal Alouettes.

Tate underwent testing Monday, and Desjardins said while it’s unlikely Tate will play Friday night in Winnipeg, he wouldn’t rule it out.

“There’s a chance he could play this week,” Desjardins said. “I’d say no, especially when it’s a short week, but you never know.”

Tate left in the second quarter after being hit by defensive back Dondre Wright. He stood on the sidelined in the second half with his right arm in a sling.

Tate was starting in place of incumbent Trevor Harris, who suffered a shoulder injury in Ottawa’s 26-22 loss to Hamilton on Sept. 9. Tate finished the game 21-of-29 passing for 185 yards with a touchdown and interception. Thirdstringer Ryan Lindley replaced Tate and completed 7-of-14 passes for 76 yards and an interception.

Although Lindley, 28, is in his first CFL season, he played collegiately at San Diego State and in the NFL with Arizona (twice), San Diego, New England and Indianapolis before joining the Redblacks.

“He (Lindley) doesn’t have to be the guy who does everything,” Desjardins said. “He just needs to be the guy who distributes the ball and lets the other players make plays.”

If Lindley starts Friday night, Danny Collins will be his backup. Desjardins said he won’t be looking for a third quarterback this week.