The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have a new face under centre when they take on the B.C. Lions on Saturday, as Mason Fine officially takes over as the starter following the injury to Trevor Harris.
The 37-year-old face of the franchise has been placed on the six-game injured list after undergoing surgery for a tibial plateau fracture suffered in the team’s Week 6 loss to Calgary. Fine came off the bench to complete six-of-eight passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 24-yard scramble.
The 26-year-old is now in his third season with the Riders, having previously started two games at the end of the 2022 season following the benching of Cody Fajardo. In 23 career games, he has thrown for 870 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for 73.
The five-foot-11, 190-pound passer played in 49 collegiate games for the University of North Texas. Over his four seasons with the Mean Green, Fine completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 12,505 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions while rushing for an additional seven majors.
To provide Fine with additional support, the Riders have activated backup Jake Dolegala from the practice roster. The former NFL journeyman made one start for Saskatchewan last season, completing 16-of-35 passes for 154 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Aiding the inexperienced quarterbacks will be the return of left tackle Brandon Council after a finger injury, bumping Eric Lofton to the practice squad. Rookie Canadian defensive back Jaxon Ford (ankle) has been added to the one-game injured list, while Kosi Onyeka returns to the lineup as his replacement.
Remaining on the one-game injured list for another week are several impact contributors, including defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II (foot) and centre Peter Godber (hand).
The Riders (3-2) are set to visit the Lions (4-1) on Saturday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point underdogs.
