Roughriders taking their time with Zach Collaros injury

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are taking the slow, cautious approach when it comes to quarterback Zach Collaros.

Collaros rejoined the team during its first bye week for the first time since suffering a concussion on June 13 after a hit by Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence.

Lawrence was suspended for two games by the CFL for the hit on June 17. He appealed the decision, but an arbitrator ruled in favour of the league Tuesday and upheld the suspension.

“(Collaros) is feeling better,” Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson said after Tuesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “He spent some time at home in Hamilton and saw some people out there and we wanted him back with the team as soon as possible.

“He’s back so it’s good to have him around.”

The 30-year-old quarterback is on the six-game injured list and cannot practise with the team. Saskatchewan is preparing for a meeting Saturday with the visiting B.C. Lions.

“We’ve got to be careful,” Dickenson said. “We all know once the symptoms are gone, you still need a couple weeks on top of that. We’re still a ways away on him but it’s good to see him back in the building.”

While the team could bring Collaros off the injured list early, Dickenson said that will not be happening for a few reasons.

“First and foremost is player safety — how he’s doing. He’s going to have a big say in what goes on as well and ultimately we want to do what’s best for the team,” Dickenson said. “I really don’t know which way it’s going to go, but I know it will be a well-thought-out, thoroughly researched decision that’s best for all parties.”

Collaros joined the Roughriders in 2018 after spending the previous four seasons with the Tiger-Cats. He threw for 2,999 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions in an injury-riddled first season with the team.

During Collaros’ absence in 2019, quarterback Cody Fajardo has been the team’s main pivot. In Fajardo’s first three starts, the 27-year-old has thrown for 879 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Fajardo’s play has earned him a 1-2 record thus far. The Roughriders are near the bottom of the West Division standings at 1-3.

While Fajardo has performed well in Collaros’ absence, Dickenson said the play of the quarterback isn’t going to be a factor when it comes to bringing Collaros back.

“We want to do what’s best for Zach,” Dickenson said. “Even if we were terrible at quarterback — which we’re not; we feel good about our quarterbacks — we wouldn’t make a decision to put him out there if we didn’t feel he was healthy.”

Fajardo said having Collaros back in the locker room is a positive for him.

“I can pick his brain and just having him in meetings with us, it’s always good to have another guy like that who has played at such a high level,” Fajardo said. “(Collaros) seemed great, he seemed re-energized. I think he missed football a lot and he missed being around the guys.”

Fajardo is looking to bounce back after his worst game as a starter. He threw for only 89 yards and two interceptions in the July 6 meeting with the Calgary Stampeders. Fajardo was pulled in the fourth quarter.

While Collaros is back with the team and seemingly inching closer to possibly returning in 2019, Fajardo said he doesn’t feel any extra pressure knowing his time as the starter could be nearing an end.

“I’m just trying to play football and trying to help this team win,” Fajardo said. “Anytime you add extra pressure, it’s really hard to play under those circumstances.

“For me, I’m really excited about the opportunity to be able to have Zach on the sideline and be able to see what he’s seeing.”

Lawrence will miss Hamilton’s July 26 game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the rematch with the Roughriders on Aug. 1.

Dickenson agreed with the arbitrator’s decision to uphold the two-game suspension.

“I think it was a just decision,” Dickenson said. “I think that will be a strong message for others players to make sure to play within the rules and don’t take those shots on guys.”

Some parts of Rider Nation felt it took too long for a decision to be made. Riders linebacker and CFLPA second vice-president Solomon Elimimian said the process took its course but admitted things could be done better in the future.

“I think there are ways that we can make the process easier where it’s not drawn out and that’s something we have to look at as a (players’ association) and the league,” Elimimian said. “You don’t want things hanging over people’s heads when there was an infraction committed.

“At the end of the day, we have a right to serve the offender and the guy who has been (hurt) and at the end of the day that’s what the system is for. Both sides get to be heard. Simoni had his hearing and he got to be heard by an arbitrator and that arbitrator made his ruling.”