The Saskatchewan Roughriders can re-take first place in the CFL's West Division with a win tonight against the Edmonton Elks, but the main story is behind centre, featuring a battle between past and present Roughriders #7's.
Cody Fajardo was named the starting quarterback for Week 8 earlier this week, taking the place of Canadian pivot Tre Ford who has struggled during Edmonton's 1-4 start to the regular season. In limited action this year Fajardo has been impressive with 107 yards and one touchdown on 9/11 passing.
Fajardo played three seasons with the Roughriders before signing with Montreal in free agency in 2023, and after two years out east Fajardo lost his starting job to Davis Alexander, leading him to sign with the Elks in the offseason as a backup.
His first start will be up against the 5-1 Roughriders who are coming off a 33-27 win in BC last week. The Roughriders dominated early for a 23-11 lead at halftime, holding on for the 6-point win after a few late scores from the Lions.
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Harris finished the game with 395 yards passing on 23/30 attempts, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. The passing game has been a major reason for the Riders success to start the season with Harris completing over 75 per cent of his passes so far and sitting top five in both yards and touchdown passes.
While they are currently in last place and have struggled the past few seasons, the Elks have given the Riders fits at times with two victories at Mosaic Stadium the last two seasons.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM, tonight's theme "Christmas in July" as the Roughriders stuck our friend Logan Ferland in a Santa hat to promote the latest edition of Friday Night Football in Regina.
