Turns out Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Trevor Harris has been playing with more than a hip pointer issue.
After the Riders’ 29-26 overtime win in Calgary during Week 3, the 37-year-old explained what he was going to do for the team’s bye week.
“For me, I need to get healthy. Coming into this game I had a pretty decent little rib deal going on. I just kept trying to stretch it to be able to throw and it was kinda taking my breath away. So I’m going to try and get some rest, get healed up,” Harris said.
“I’ll be watching plenty of film on Edmonton and looking ahead to a couple of other teams that we’re going to play. I’m going to spend some time with my wife and my three boys. I’m going to get some good R&R and spend some time with the family, but I’ll be making sure I get this body back together and feeling good.”
Harris was injured on Saskatchewan’s final offensive snap of their season-opening win against the Elks when he was hit while delivering a pass designed to run out the clock. That play drew criticism from pundits around the league.
The ailment caused Harris significant pain throughout the week and forced him to sit out multiple practices. He was a game-time decision in Week 2 and cleared the necessary tests to be able to play versus the Blue Bombers. No. 7 completed 29-of-41 passes (71 percent) for 413 yards with three touchdowns in a 45-27 loss to Winnipeg.
The six-foot-three, 212-pound passer connected on 20-of-30 throws in Week 3 for 275 yards with one touchdown and one interception while running two times for 21 yards in the Roughriders’ victory at McMahon Stadium. Left tackle Jerald Hawkins left that matchup after being rolled up on. Saskatchewan already has veteran OL Philip Blake on the six-game injured list along with receivers Derel Walker, Juwan Brescacin, Brayden Lenius and Kian Schaffer-Baker.
“We’re beat up. I’m not sure about Jerald, but luckily it’s nothing catastrophic. We’ve got a lot of guys that have been out, nicked up and gotten hurt, so this by week comes at a good time for us. We can get back to full strength. Hopefully, get a couple guys back that have been out for a little bit,” Harris said.
Despite the veteran QB playing with substantial pain for the last two games, entering the bye week, Harris led the CFL with 867 passing yards and tied for the lead with five touchdown passes. Jamal Morrow sits at the top of the rushing chart with 233 yards with two 20-plus yard runs.
“Being able to reset,” Harris said, “do some self-scouting and see some things that we can improve are going to be huge.”
The Riders are 2-1 through three games and host Chris Jones’ Edmonton Elks to start Week 5 at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday, July 6 at 9 p.m. ET.
