Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris was given a “non-injury-related” day off. Although the current plan is for him to play on Saturday, all options remain open, according to head coach Corey Mace. “No, [a decision] is not made,” Mace told reporters as the team returned to practice Tuesday. “The plan is: Trevor is playing.” Harris was not the only player getting at least some rest for day one of practice. Receiver KeeSean Johnson was not a part of team activities Tuesday, still dealing with an ankle injury which caused him to miss one game a couple weeks ago. Running back A.J. Ouellette was a limited participant, while on defence DeMarcus Fields was missing. However, Mace says that does not mean they will not be available Saturday against Edmonton for a game which still has playoff implications. “There’s a lot of guys you’d think would be sitting,” the coach said. “But we have to be better. So that’s the thought process; we’re going to go out there and try to be a better football team.” “But as of right now, [Harris] is playing. I gave the guy a day and we’ll see,” Mace added. Coan takes more reps Despite not taking part in practice, Harris was on the field amongst teammates Tuesday. In his place, back-up quarterback Jack Coan led the starters – which included Kian Schaffer-Baker, Samuel Emilus, Dhel Duncan-Busby, Daniel Wiebe and Johnny Johnson III at receiver. “It was awesome just to get some reps today,” said Coan. “It’s the most I’ve practiced in a few years so it’s just really fun to be out there and playing a good amount, getting some reps and being able to learn from them. With Saskatchewan since 2024, Coan is in the midst of his fourth professional season – third with the Riders. The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish pivot has suited up for 40 games in three seasons but has thrown a pass in just three of them – including in Week 19 on the road against Montreal, completing two passes for 15 yards in one series of work. While Mace says Harris will play Saturday, how much was yet to be determined and alluded Coan would see increased time on the field. “Trevor has played 17 games at the same age as me and probably deserves a rest day,” Mace said. “If I sleep and think on it, potentially it could be a rest week, but part of that today was to see what the tape looks like from what Jack.” The backup quarterback says the reps in practice have been vital but there is still nothing like playing in a game. “It’s a little bit faster in a game, you get hit a little bit; so yeah, to be in that rhythm again would be awesome,” Coan said. “I’m not sure what the situation is but if I do get in, I’m just going to enjoy every single second of an opportunity to play an extended time. We’ll if that happens. I really just want to showcase who I am.” ‘Little Trevor’ Spending the past three seasons behind Harris on the depth chart, Coan could not understate the importance of his development to the veteran quarterback. “It’s the intentionality of everything,” Coan said about what he has learned most. “The way he watches film and the way he views the tape he’s watching is just so intentional. Whether it’s a play we’re going to be running for certain looks or certain tells a defence has is what I’ve really take from him.” Mace says Coan is often right next to Harris – watching film, working out or otherwise. “He’s little Trevor,” the coach described the younger quarterback. “He’s been in Trevor’s pocket ever since he come here. [Jack’s] one of the first people in the building every morning, he takes incredibly good care of his body, down there crushing film with Trevor and the other quarterbacks from early in the morning till late in the evening.” Receivers have noticed the development as well. “He’s been great,” Emilus said. “He’s been in the playbook for years now, he’s seeing the reads better and I’m excited maybe the opportunity [for him] to play.” Need to get better While rest is important, Mace says ensuring the team finds its rhythm ahead of desired deep playoff run is just as important for a team still with championship aspirations. “Each year brings a different question when it comes to that,” he explained. “We’ve been saying, ‘We’ve got to get better.’ There’s only one way to get better playing football, that’s playing football. So we’re planning to play football.” Saskatchewan is in the unique situation where they have locked up a playoff spot, but which division semi-final is to be determined. A win Saturday will keep the Riders out West for the playoffs, sending them to B.C. to play the Lions in the semifinals. A loss, however, crosses them over to the East against the Toronto Argonauts. The focus remains on winning, regardless of who plays or for how long. “We’re focused on this game,” Mace said. “There’s still implications for us, we just control what we can and that’s try to win the football game.” Roster decisions for Saturday will be finalized Friday morning.
