Quarterback Cody Fajardo was absent Tuesday and resumed training with the Alouettes Wednesday, but it was backup players Caleb Evans and Davis Alexander who took over rehearsals on offense. With two days to go before Friday night’s scheduled game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Percival-Molson Stadium, it’s logical to conclude that Fajardo represents an uncertain case, to say the least.
“We’re preparing Cody [Fajardo] And the other two guys have to be ready to play as well,” said head coach Jason Maas. There will always be times in a season when some players are unable to train normally and complete all reps due to wounds or injuries. We are living in one of those times right now.”
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We are deliberately not saying whether Fajardo will be the starting quarterback against his former team on Friday night or not. This is not information that we wish to offer to the opposing club.
Though many reporters were keen to speak to the quarterback, Fajardo was not made available to the media after Wednesday’s practice.
“All scenarios are taken into account,” said Maas. If it is best for him to rest, we will take care of it. The players all want to play and Cody wants to play. It’s the same every week… If he doesn’t make it, we’re well prepared. For every plan there must be an alternative.”
Stanback absent?
The situation around the offensive pivot can not only be observed in the Alouettes. Running back William Stanback was another who was unable to train on Wednesday and was instead spotted on the sidelines.
In that case, Walter Fletcher could take Stanback’s place, while Jeshrun Antwi is also available as a running back.
“We will play with the guys who give 100% and can do their best,” said Maas.
Fajardo, who missed Tuesday’s training session for treatment, might want to skip the next game and think longer-term. There is a certain logic behind this decision. Incidentally, the Roughriders had six sacks against quarterback Dustin Crum in their 26-24 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday in Saskatchewan. American Anthony Lanier II attacked the opposing quarterback three times that game from behind his line of scrimmage.