Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Cody Fajardo leaves practice to attend birth of son

Photo: David Mahussier/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Cody Fajardo left practice abruptly on Tuesday afternoon due to the impending birth of his son, head coach Craig Dickenson confirmed to the local media.

Fajardo and his wife, Laura, are expecting a son and her due date was Monday. The couple lives in Reno, Nev., which is where Fajardo played college football at the University of Nevada.

Dickenson recently told The Sportscage that Fajardo would be permitted to miss practice when his wife went into labour. He did not anticipate that Fajardo would miss Friday’s game against the Edmonton Elks unless his son arrived that same day, which now appears unlikely. He also told the local media on Tuesday that he will give Fajardo as much time as he needs to be at home with his family.

Fajardo has started 12 games for the Riders this season and completed 69.5 percent of his passes for 2,564 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He has also carried the ball 59 times for 237 yards and seven touchdowns.

In the event that Fajardo is unable to play, Saskatchewan would dress Mason Fine and Jake Dolegala as their two quarterbacks. Fine has completed 64.9 percent of his passes this season for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Dolegala has completed 45.7 percent of his passes for 154 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

A number of players did not participate in practice on Tuesday due to injury, including receiver Duke Williams (ankle), offensive lineman Logan Ferland (back), defensive tackle Anthony Lanier II (head), and defensive back Nelson Lokombo (shoulder).

The Riders (6-7) have an opportunity to eliminate the Elks (3-10) from postseason contention when the teams meet at Mosaic Stadium on Friday night. It will also be the first time that Edmonton head coach and general manager Chris Jones returns to Regina since leaving the team to pursue the NFL in January 2019.

This story contains notes from 3DownNation reporter Olivia Lawrence.