It looks like the Saskatchewan Roughriders will start Jake Mayer at cornerback in Week 20 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“Every time you get a chance to play, you have to take advantage of those opportunities.” Mayer said. “Every time you get the opportunity to play in a professional football game, no matter what it means in the standings, you have to show the organization that you belong, that you have earned the right to wear that team uniform.”
A 28-year-old man took first team representatives at training on Monday while Trevor Harris didn't even dress for the session at Mosaic Stadium. Mayer started in Week 4 for the Green and White, while Harris was sidelined with a head injury. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 37–18 win over the BC Lions, who started Jeremiah Masoli at QB.
“We all know number 7, he never wants to take time. I gave him a plan and he understands. Trev and I have such a good relationship, the respect is there and it's always about the team,” Head Coach Corey Mays said.
“It depends on the player, but maybe resting for the game, some guys will still have to come out here and work a little bit. It’s about sharpening our tools and everyone is involved.”
Harris completed 23 of 29 passes for 340 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Riders finished first in the West Division. With Victory over the Toronto Argonauts 27-19. at 19 weeks. This gave Saskatchewan the right to host the Western final on Saturday, November 8, as well as the opportunity to rest players for the final two games of the regular season.
“I don't know if there's a specific recipe. Every team has different goals. Having the pulse in the locker room, the pulse on the guys, you look at the reward for taking risks, the ones who are on a roll and have been doing it for a while who could potentially need a little time, or the guys who are rhythm guys who need reps. Everyone's situation is different; I feel like we have solid plan,” Mace said.
In 15 starts in 2025, Harris completed 73.1 percent of his passes for 4,437 yards (295.8 per game), throwing 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and posting an 11-4 win-loss record. The 39-year-old franchise QB said 3DownNation He worked through a right shoulder injury while throwing in the middle of the season.
“You want him to be fresh. His arm hurts, he didn't tell us that, Trevor doesn't complain about anything. Other things, sometimes you guys find it out before I do,” offensive coordinator. Mark Muller said.
Leaving Harris on the sidelines for meaningless football and being healthy for the 112th Gray Cup makes sense for head coach Corey Mays, general manager Jeremy O'Day and the entire Roughriders organization.
Saskatchewan must consider salary caps when resting veteran players, but not defensemen. Mayer will earn $165,000 in hard money for the 2025 season.plus $3,000 for each game in which he plays 51 percent or more of the offensive snaps. This is the same playing time bonus included in Harris' contract.
The Riders will take on the Bombers at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night at 8:00 pm ET. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in to 620 CKRM in Regina.
