Time is a luxury this week for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Saskatchewan only has five days in between games this week — the shortest stretch of their season.
The CFL club lost 42-31 to the Edmonton Elks on Saturday and will play the Redblacks in Ottawa on Thursday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.
After the loss to the Elks, the Riders’ claimed that game wasn’t indicative of who this team is.
Quarterback Shea Patterson said it’s up to them to make the corrections, no matter how short the timeline is.
“That’s what we get paid to do — it’s our job to show up no matter what,” Patterson said.
“Whether we have a short week or going into a bye and playing again. It’s our job to perform. A lot of people in the front office and the coaches, they work very hard. The fans, it means so much to them.
“It’s our job to get ready for the next one no matter what.”
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Patterson will start in his sixth game in relief for the injured Trevor Harris.
There is some good news, however, when it came to the health of the 38-year-old Harris, as he was cleared to return to practice for the first time since he suffered an MCL injury back in Week 3. Before his injury, Harris threw for 872 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
“There’s still a chance (Harris plays). He was out there at practice (Tuesday) slinging it, so there’s still a chance,” head coach Corey Mace said.
“We still have some other things going on to with the roster so we will take a peek at its totality, but we’re off on the plane tomorrow so it will be coming pretty quick.”
But when the Riders’ injury report came out, Harris was ruled out for the game — the sixth game he will miss.
The offensive line also has a short time to build some chemistry, with two players set to make their first CFL starts this week.
Right tackle Brandon Council decided to retire from pro football after making his season debut last week.
With Jacob Brammer (hamstring) still not practising, Nick Jones will make his CFL debut after signing with the team on July 16.
With Ryan Sceviour (elbow) expected to miss this game, Zack Fry will make his first CFL start as well at left guard.
Saskatchewan will also be without linebacker Jameer Thurman (elbow) and running back A.J. Ouellette. C.J. Avery, who has played the weak-side linebacker spot this season, is expected to play middle linebacker.
Frankie Hickson will make his third straight start at running back.
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