Saskatchewan Roughriders third-string quarterback Jake Dolegala is expected to start Sunday in a rematch against the visiting Toronto Argonauts at Regina, Sask.
Roughriders starting quarterback Cody Fajardo (illness, knee) and backup Mason Fine (illness) were listed as questionable for the game.
The game was moved from Saturday to Sunday after 13 players and five staff members from the Roughriders tested positive for COVID-19.
The Argonauts (2-2) posted a 30-24 victory over the Roughriders (4-2) on July 16 in the Touchdown Atlantic game at Wolfville, N.S. Linebacker Wynton McManis returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown with 2:32 remaining in the fourth quarter.
“We expect Dolegala to start, but we could play Mason or Cody as well,” Roughriders’ coach Craig Dickenson said. “I don’t mean to sound vague, but it’s the truth. We have all three of them if we want them.”
Dickenson said that Fajardo’s left knee is about “70 percent” and that he would likely rest him but it will depend on Fine’s status.
“Mason is in COVID protocol,” Dickenson said. “We’ll just decide on game day who we want to be the backup, but it will be Cody or Mason.”
While the Argonauts’ offense has been inconsistent, the defense has been a strength with three interceptions against Saskatchewan.
The Argonauts will need to limit Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow, who had 106 total yards (77 rushing, 29 receiving) against them last week.
A positive development for Toronto’s defense last week was the return from a three-game suspension of All-Star linebacker Chris Edwards.
“He brought that energy,” Argonauts defensive coordinator Corey Mace said. “He holds guys accountable and he’s a playmaker waiting to happen. We’re all pretty pleased to have C.E. back in the building.”
Edwards’ suspension resulted from a fan altercation following the Eastern Final on Dec. 5.
Roughriders receiver D’haquille (Duke) Williams was suspended one game for throwing Toronto defensive back Shaquille Richardson’s helmet at him before the kickoff on July 16. Richardson was fined.
Argonauts defensive lineman Eli Mencer faces a one-game suspension for derogatory language directed toward an official during the game.
–Field Level Media
