‘An exciting finish’: Riders focused on final regular-season stretch

A spot in the CFL playoffs is close to reality for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Green and White can clinch a spot on Saturday with a victory over the Argonauts in Toronto. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

First-year starting quarterback Cody Fajardo has led the charge to the playoffs since taking over for the injured Zach Collaros on June 13. It’s the first time Fajardo has had to lead a team in a playoff-type push since he was a senior starting at the University of Nevada.

“In college you fight for a bowl game; that’s the playoffs,” the 27-year-old said. “Anytime you get an opportunity to punch your ticket, I think that’s the biggest thing.

“Any team has an opportunity to win the Grey Cup. You just have to be able to punch your ticket to get into the dance.”

With only a third of the season remaining for the Roughriders, they find themselves battling to find position in a competitive West Division.

The Roughriders (8-4), Calgary Stampeders (9-4) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-4) are all vying for the top position in the division, with the Edmonton Eskimos (6-7) still keeping pace. The B.C. Lions (3-10) also have clung to their playoff lives after back-to-back wins over the Ottawa Redblacks.

“It’s wide open. If you go on a little skid, you’re going to go from second or first to fourth,” Saskatchewan head coach Craig Dickenson said.

“It’s highly competitive, our guys know that, but we really just want to focus on how can we get better, control what we can — which is our preparation — and let the chips fall where they may. It’s going to be an exciting finish.”

The Roughriders could also start getting some help as players begin to return from the injured list.

Perennial all-star guard Brendon LaBatte has returned to practice from a hip injury and a torn leg muscle that kept him out of the 2019 season. Defensive lineman Zack Evans (hip) remains on the six-game injured list but he was able to participate in practice this week.

Slotback Cory Watson (knee) is also back out and running with the starters and wide receiver Justin McInnis (shoulder) is back on the field as well.

The offence could also soon start seeing 2018 West Division most outstanding rookie Jordan Williams-Lambert on the game-day roster.

During his rookie campaign, Williams-Lambert recorded 764 yards and four touchdowns as a part of a lacklustre passing attack.

The talented receiver rejoined the team on Sept. 11 after pursuing NFL opportunities and participating in the Chicago Bears’ training camp.

Dickenson said that, during Wednesday’s closed practice, Williams-Lambert rotated with Naaman Roosevelt and Emmanuel Arceneaux in the starting group.

“(Williams-Lambert) looked good today, he’s got fresh legs and is running well,” Dickenson said. “The only way we wouldn’t start him is if we feel like we’ve got good chemistry with the other guys and if he’s not quite sure with the offence.

“We don’t want to put him out there if he’s not quite sure of the offence or if his conditioning is not where it would be.”

The Green Zone pregame show gets underway Saturday at 3 p.m.