Veteran Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick suffered a quad injury against the B.C. Lions in Week 6 which likely requires surgery, according to head coach Corey Mace.
“It’s unfortunately going to be long-term for him. We’re not going to rule out the end of the year, but it’s going to be long-term. He’s going to get some things worked on. Talking with Yosh, he’s going to do his rehab here, so having that personality around is still huge for us as a team,” Mace said on Tuesday.
Hardrick had his left leg caught underneath him while blocking defensive lineman Josh Archibald just over three minutes into the third quarter during the Riders’ 35-20 loss at BC Place. He was carted off the field and later seen with crutches on the sideline.
“It was something that we talked about. That’s tough to see something like that happen, it is a little bit deflating. It sounds terrible but it’s the game that we chose. Things like this happen, unfortunately,” Mace said post-game.
“Hardrick is really the heart of the offence, that’s a big loss,” quarterback Shea Patterson said.
The 34-year-old started Saskatchewan’s first five games at right tackle this season after the Riders signed him away from Winnipeg and made him the highest-paid American offensive lineman in the CFL — $230,500 — during free agency in February. It’s the first major injury Hardrick has sustained during his pro career.
The six-foot-five, 317-pound OL started and played in all 18 regular-season games for the Blue Bombers in 2023, earning his second career CFL all-star selection while becoming the West Division finalist for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He started both of Winnipeg’s playoff games, making a fourth consecutive Grey Cup appearance.
The University of Nebraska product has dressed for 142 career CFL regular-season games since breaking into the league as a member of the B.C. Lions in 2014. He won two Grey Cups with Winnipeg in 2019 and 2021.
Mace said rookie Jacob Brammer has the first chance to step in Hardrick’s place at right tackle. The six-foot-four, 301-pound blocker has been on the practice roster after impressing during training camp and both exhibition games.
“It’s good we took time to give him reps throughout the last few weeks. He showed really well in the preseason and a lot of things that we ID of what we try to do, he does naturally as well, so he’ll get a nod. We’re going to start there with our eyes on Brammer and see where that goes,” Mace said.
“[Hardrick] was definitely a key, very evident when we went after him in free agency, it’s a tough loss. The experience at this position, leadership on game day, in the locker room and in the huddle, but seeing the transformation in that position group since he’s been here — he’s done so much already for those guys. I’m looking forward to seeing how they push forward, almost kind of like making Pop’s proud.”
