FAJARDO ADDRESSES CONTRACT EXTENSION TALKS

The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to the practice field on Tuesday for the first time since their bye in Week 10. The club stands at 5-3 – in third place in the CFL West – and carries a 4-game winning streak into Saturday’s home date with the Ottawa RedBlacks.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo said the break was a welcome one.

“It was great,” Fajardo told reporters after the workout. “The wife and I got to spend some time on the beach (in North Carolina). My body really needed it. Did some beach workouts, that she put me through. The ankles are feeling great. It was a lot of fun just to get away from football. Sometimes it can be overwhelming at times. Just to get back with family and the ones that you love, it puts things in perspective.”

Fajardo signed a 1-year contract with Saskatchewan in the off-season, which means he’s due to become a free agent again this winter. Given the fact he’s taken the CFL by storm in his first year as a starter, and captured the hearts of the Rider Nation along the way, it’s reasonable that Fajardo would face questions about extending his deal with the Green & White.

“That’s for my agent and Jeremy (O’Day) to figure out,” Fajardo advised. “For me, I’m just excited to play football and the opportunity to play football. Whatever happens, happens. I’m excited to be here, I love this place. It’s been really great to me, the fans have been really awesome, but it’s also a little bit easier when we’re winning. I know we’re going to be faced with some adversity here and it’s not all rainbows and candy canes. I’m just excited about the opportunity and whatever happens, happens.”

In other news, the Riders welcomed kicker Brett Lauther back to practice on Tuesday. He’s been absent since Week 3 with a groin injury. Meanwhile veteran defensive tackle Micah Johnson missed practice with a lower body injury. He didn’t play in the Riders’ Week 9 win at Montreal.