Riders look to keep momentum going for Friday’s game against Elks

The Saskatchewan Roughriders bounced back in a big way — now the CFL club needs to keep the momentum going.

After suffering the team’s first loss of the season at the hands of the Calgary Stampeders, the Riders went into B.C. and beat the Lions 33-27 in a game the Green and White were in control of right from the opening kickoff.

“I think it’s an expectation (to bounce back). I don’t think it surprised us, I think it’s a cultural thing that has worked its way into our facility from the top down,” said Riders quarterback Trevor Harris, who was named the Pro Football Focus top performer at the position after throwing for 395 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Now the mission is to avoid a letdown as the Riders host the Edmonton Elks on Friday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game against the Elks is set for 7 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show will begin at 5.

“We know how dangerous of a club Edmonton can be,” Harris said. “If we’re not careful, we could easily be a game where we have a letdown coming off a game like that. Everyone in the media is starting to pat us on the back, but you’ve heard (former Alabama head coach) Nick Saban say it before: that it’s rat poison.

“Whether it’s good or bad, if you start patting yourself on the back or beating yourself up, neither one of them are true. Every week is a new week and that’s why (head coach Corey Mace) talks all the time about going 1-0.”

The Riders don’t have to look back far to see you can’t take the Elks for granted, no matter what the record is. Last season, the 0-7 Elks came in and beat Saskatchewan 42-31 at Mosaic Stadium.

Tre Ford was the starting quarterback for the Elks in that game, but it remains to be seen if it will be him or former Rider Cody Fajardo who starts for Edmonton this week. Both quarterbacks have reportedly split reps this week.

Saskatchewan will be without running back Ka’Deem Carey, who suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the win over the Lions.

Mace said Carey went to get imaging done but admitted it didn’t look great.

“He did a couple really good things in that game, too. It was awesome that he was able to come in during the meeting and all the guys were able to show him some love,” Mace said. “If I were a betting man, which I am not, I would say it would be pretty tough for Ka’Deem to play this year.

“Maybe luck will be on our side and on Ka’Deem’s side, and it’s not as bad, but we will see when we get the results back.”

The Riders signed running back Mario Anderson with Carey now injured. Anderson was with the Riders throughout training camp and the preseason, making the team’s practice roster. He was released shortly after the club first signed Carey.

Linebacker Jameer Thurman (toe) was limited in practice. Offensive lineman Daniel Johnson (shoulder) was a non-participant.