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Homegrown OL Noah Zerr to start for Saskatchewan Roughriders against Edmonton
By 3Down Staff -July 24, 2025
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be introducing yet another new face along their offensive line when they face the Edmonton Elks on Friday.
Left guard Zack Fry has been ruled out this week due to a head injury, making it a total of six offensive linemen currently unavailable for the club. That opens up an opportunity for local product Noah Zerr to make his first start of the year, with Braydon Noll coming onto the roster as the sixth man.
The 27-year-old native of Langenburg, Sask. joined the team as a free agent last year, playing 10 regular-season games and making four starts at guard. He was briefly released in training camp but brought back after the slew of injuries.
Zerr was originally a second-round pick of the B.C. Lions in the 2022 CFL Draft. He dressed for four regular-season games with the team as a rookie that year before playing three games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023. The six-foot-seven, 310-pound blocker played collegiately at the University of Saskatchewan, where he was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2021.
The Riders have also officially placed running back Ka'Deem Carey on the six-game injured list with what is expected to be a season-ending knee injury. Mario Anderson will dress as the backup behind A.J. Ouellette.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-1) will host the Edmonton Elks (1-4) at Mosaic Stadium on Friday, July 25 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Elks are coming off their second bye week of the season, while Saskatchewan beat the B.C. Lions on the road last week by a score of 33-27.
The weather forecast calls for a high of 30 degrees and mostly sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 880 CHED in Edmonton and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/07/24/homegrown-ol-noah-zerr-to-start-for-saskatchewan-roughriders-against-edmonton/
Edmonton Elks name QB Cody Fajardo starter against Riders, bench Tre Ford
By 3Down Staff -July 24, 2025
The Edmonton Elks have made their choice at quarterback.
After splitting reps all week, Cody Fajardo will officially make his first start of the season in place of Tre Ford against Saskatchewan. In limited relief action this year, he has completed nine-of-11 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown, while rushing 10 times for 18 yards and four touchdowns.
This marks a setback for Ford, who was pulled from the Elks' Week 6 loss to the B.C. Lions after he completed just four-of-12 passes for 34 yards and one interception in roughly three quarters of action. The dual-threat pivot also carried the ball four times for 47 yards, but struggled to generate any offensive traction.
The 27-year-old Canadian has been inconsistent this season, completing 82-of-121 pass attempts for 984 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has also rushed 16 times for 152 yards and a major.
The former Hec Crighton Trophy winner is in his fourth season with Elks since being selected in the first round of the 2022 CFL Draft, and signed a three-year contract extension this offseason to become the team's starter. In 47 career games, Ford has completed 359-of-534 passes for 4,651 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, while rushing 124 times for 1,129 yards and four scores.
Fajardo, who was acquired via trade by the Elks this offseason, is just one season removed from a Grey Cup MVP performance. The 33-year-old threw for 3,105 yards, 16 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last year with Montreal, helping that team to the best record in the league.
This will mark Fajardo's first start against his old team since departing Saskatchewan following the 2022 campaign. In nine CFL seasons with Toronto, B.C., Saskatchewan, Montreal, and Edmonton, he has thrown for 18,105 yards, 84 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions, while rushing 2,509 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Elsewhere on the roster, the Elks have placed Canadian starting safety Royce Metchie (ankle) on the one-game injured list and lost American cornerback Devodric Bynum (chest) to the six-game injured list. Rookie J.J. Ross will dress for the first time as the starter to the boundary, while Kenneth Logan Jr. will get the nod at safety. The recently signed Bryce Cosby will also suit up as insurance in the secondary.
American linebacker Brock Mogensen will be a healthy scratch, while receiver Kearis Jackson has been returned to the practice roster. Global linebacker Alex Raich of Switzerland and American defensive lineman Tyreek Johnson will make their debuts.
The Edmonton Elks (1-4) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-1) at Mosaic Stadium on Friday, July 25 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Elks are coming off their second bye week of the season, while Saskatchewan beat the B.C. Lions on the road last week by a score of 33-27.
The weather forecast calls for a high of 30 degrees and mostly sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 880 CHED in Edmonton and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2025/07/24/edmonton-elks-name-qb-cody-fajardo-starter-vs-riders-bench-tre-ford/
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Let's go...all in on Cody returning to Sask and leading the Elks to a win!!
Elks will be far more competitive with Fajardo at Qb, but Regina is a tough place to win in. This will now be a good close game
Curious to see how Edmonton's offense looks with Fajardo.
Quote from: RebusRankin on July 24, 2025, 06:56:38 PMCurious to see how Edmonton's offense looks with Fajardo.
I think he injects new life and energy into a frustrated bunch. You could tell Gittens was p*ssed off after his touchdown, you knew changes were coming before the clubhouse split on this. Regina is a touch place to win in, and if Ford loses, they'd be screaming for changes. Wise move by Killam.
Quote from: dd on July 24, 2025, 06:47:28 PMElks will be far more competitive with Fajardo at Qb, but Regina is a tough place to win in. This will now be a good close game
Tre Ford actually does well against Saskatchewan, but we'll see.
Fajardo can't carry this team nor can he throw a deep ball
Time will tell
Ford might benefit from a break and to watch and learn
Sask is going to feast imo
My money is on more of the same. Cody will get more completions (more accurate on short balls), but that OL and REC corps won't magically become allstars.
And SSK can now basically ignore contain/spy and add another guy to coverage / pass rush.
And when Cody fails too, then it'll be real trouble in EDM because then you have no more hope and you'll just flail around half dead on the floor, switching back and forth between QBs with no change in results.
(But for our sake, ya I hope EDM creams them!)
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 25, 2025, 12:51:00 AMMy money is on more of the same. Cody will get more completions (more accurate on short balls), but that OL and REC corps won't magically become allstars.
And SSK can now basically ignore contain/spy and add another guy to coverage / pass rush.
And when Cody fails too, then it'll be real trouble in EDM because then you have no more hope and you'll just flail around half dead on the floor, switching back and forth between QBs with no change in results.
(But for our sake, ya I hope EDM creams them!)
The Edmonton fans have moved on from the starting QB debate, they're going to hold a plebiscite to finally address the name change!
Game 6: Blue Bombers (3-2) at Argonauts (1-5)
Kickoff: Saturday, July 26th, 6 p.m. CDT; BMO Field, Toronto
TV/Streaming: TSN 1/4, CTV, CBS SportsNetwork; CFL+
Radio: 680 CJOB (pre-game begins at 4 p.m. CDT); Play-by-play: Derek Taylor/analyst: Doug Brown; Sirius XM (ch. 167)
Game Preview - https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/07/25/game-preview-6-wpg-at-tor/
Cody revenge game? :D
Did say a prayer for the EEs?
I don't think Cody is as quick and mobile as he was. And that was his main skill probably. Saw him struggling to get a short yardage try on a third down.... as Elks third down qb.
Cody's taken a pounding over the years, which will likely continue tonight.
Harris has been playing great, hope he stays healthy. Elks secondary is a bit dodgy, so could be a big night for Riders receivers.
Also.... Do not run with the ball Trevor. Please.
I do not want to see a one sided game, but suspect that's what it'll be.
Fajardo getting the start in this one. He'll want to beat the club that gave up on him as much as they'll want to shut him down to avoid embarrassment. Should be a slobberknocker!
Baffling 2 and 10 play call. A 2 yard hitch. LOL
EEs MLB already hurt. That can't be good.
Looks hot as hell there to.
Lauther chokes, lol
Pats 1 - Coilers 0
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 26, 2025, 01:11:41 AMBaffling 2 and 10 play call. A 2 yard hitch. LOL
Everyone in SSK will remember that typical Cody 2nd & 10!! Oh man they used to gripe to no end about that.
P.S. Britt always finds the best shirts...
The amount of chances Lauther has had, the leeway he's been given is remarkable.
I don't get it.
Coaching puzzle.
Sask Thurman 6 hits hard.
Why can't we find someone like Robustelli?? The guy is turning into a very decent reciever
Are Lapo and Smith the CFL's best colour commentators? Methinks they are.
Quote from: markf on July 26, 2025, 01:18:00 AMThe amount of chances Lauther has had, the leeway he's been given is remarkable.
I don't get it.
Coaching puzzle.
GM puzzle. He's a "free dress" as a NAT. If they go IMP K then they'll lose one of their prized D DAs. Also, not much available out there, NAT or IMP.
If I'm Mace, I'd just go for it on 3rd every time until you get to the 25 where Lauther can actually be accurate(ish).
Quote from: dd on July 26, 2025, 01:24:47 AMWhy can't we find someone like Robustelli?? The guy is turning into a very decent reciever
Maybe because Rigmaiden left and then Goveia left?
Air ball
Can't throw deep
No penalties yet...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 01:30:03 AMMaybe because Rigmaiden left and then Goveia left?
Rigmaiden especially.
cody can read a defence - big difference than Ford
Mathis once again proves that huge giant RECs often get hurt. 6'7, wow
That receiver looks hurt bad, head and or neck
Mathis' head bounced off the turf there. He may have rung his bell.
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 01:32:57 AMcody can read a defence - big difference than Ford
He looks far better than Ford already.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 01:33:28 AMMathis once again proves that huge giant RECs often get hurt. 6'7, wow
Taller they are the harder they fall.
Hey it is the moustache rider!
The Riders really chase the football. That pump fake from FAJ opened up Mathis nicely. EE should do that often.
Jar Jar Do
Yah man!
EE OL Swiss cheese
WOOOO
EE on O.
Last all round lol
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 26, 2025, 01:34:22 AMHe looks far better than Ford already.
Maybe a bit. Take out that deep shot and he's basically doing blah. Ford had moments where he moved the ball against us, too.
Quote from: J5V on July 26, 2025, 01:27:24 AMAre Lapo and Smith the CFL's best colour commentators? Methinks they are.
Definitely. Best combination of types... thinker and the excited guy.
Edmonton has more yards and pass completions in the first quarter than Ford had all last game. Their recievers must be giddy with joy they have a Qb that can actually read a zone defense and get them the ball.
Conversely, the Riders are looking brutal on offense!!
Riderforum already going into "are we gonna lose this?" mode.
T.Harris needs a clean pocket to do his high-completion magic, and they think the OL injuries are finally too much.
Me, I have no doubt that SSK will clobber EDM. Why is it that uberfans of a team always worry the most?
The Bombers haven't had a hard hitter on D since the decline of Alexander and Bighill.
I don't know if it matters... but It's not there these days.
challenge that - it was a catch
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 01:48:29 AMchallenge that - it was a catch
that is what I thought. Missed opportunity
Two kicks, three penalties.
There was not enough there to overturn the call on the field, good non call by killam
The SSK ST guy was mauling the EDM guy pulling him into the no yards zone. EDM guy was trying to back off. SSK employs every trick in the book...
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 26, 2025, 01:50:35 AMthat is what I thought. Missed opportunity
huge missed opportunity- they were too slow and didn't listen to Gittens
Harris finally hits one!!
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 01:53:07 AMhuge missed opportunity- they were too slow and didn't listen to Gittens
Listening to RECs is the #1 way to lose challenges.
You need to see massive definitive proof ON VIDEO, nothing else matters. Sometimes the cams just aren't capturing what's required.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 01:54:50 AMListening to RECs is the #1 way to lose challenges.
You need to see massive definitive proof ON VIDEO, nothing else matters. Sometimes the cams just aren't capturing what's required.
Exactly, they weren't going to win the challenge with the replay I saw and I m sure Killam saw the same thing, long game, can't waste a challenge on an iffy play
football 101 dont go offside on 3rd and short, kongbo wont see the field again tonite or shouldnt
Third and 2 you know they are going to hard count you, that's high school stuff...Edmonton self destructing!!
I have zero doubt SSK was cheating on the SY O/S call again. Little movements and jerks by other players trying to get people to jump. And, again, need to watch that head bob by the QB... there's rules on that.
We'll have to be disciplined on this when we face them 3 times.
Quote from: dd on July 26, 2025, 01:56:23 AMExactly, they weren't going to win the challenge with the replay I saw and I m sure Killam saw the same thing, long game, can't waste a challenge on an iffy play
it looked crystal clear to me - catch
elks defense has come to play
Potential FM on that SY stop. Mace gonna take the risk? It's worth a TD.
Edit: That's the problem when you go high, you can be stopped on a dime in the air.
stevens is stuffed - don't see that often
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 01:57:47 AMit looked crystal clear to me - catch
definitely got his hands under the ball, but was the ball thrown into the turf and that helped him catch it--I didn't see separation between his hands and the ground, hence the tough call to overturn
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 02:00:47 AMstevens is stuffed - don't see that often
At the buffet you do lol
Nice deep ball, nice snag, high pointed it like Lapo said
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 02:00:15 AMPotential FM on that SY stop. Mace gonna take the risk? It's worth a TD.
Edit: That's the problem when you go high, you can be stopped on a dime in the air.
FM?
cody cant throw deep they say...
Nice pass Fajardo to Dunbar..Elks haven't done that this year!! Their recievers must be walking on air, we have a Qb that can see us and get us the ball!!
Nice Hip segue!!
Quote from: J5V on July 26, 2025, 02:02:21 AMFM?
Facemask. Hand brushed the FM for a good long time, even seemed to grip for a sec as Steven's head moved slightly. The question is "how much FM is a FM?"
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 02:02:34 AMcody cant throw deep they say...
They are all Hail Marys. Rarely catches a guy in stride. But he does like to try the sit & wait 50/50 ball when 1-on-1. So far this game I think he's 50% on those, but the hits are huge yardage.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 02:09:06 AMThey are all Hail Marys. Rarely catches a guy in stride. But he does like to try the sit & wait 50/50 ball when 1-on-1. So far this game I think he's 50% on those, but the hits are huge yardage.
Yes, they are all Hail Mary's but she's full of grace tonight!!! Cody has completed more deep balls in his first start than Ford did in his 6!!!
Well, I don't think anyone had the jet sweep to Emilus from the 20 there.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 02:13:15 AMWell, I don't think anyone had the jet sweep to Emilus from the 20 there.
That was a great play call!
Edmonton with 63 yards in penalties so far.
this game is typical Fajardo nothing happening beyond 7 yards
That looked liked it hurt his knee pretty good
Lucky
Quote from: dd on July 26, 2025, 02:15:02 AMThat was a great play call!
Ya, creativity and doing the unexpected, gets results. Who woulda thunk it! Cough cough WFC cough
It's almost like scheme matters!
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 02:02:34 AMcody cant throw deep they say...
Wee bit air ball underthrown slightly, he can't throw it deep but he can sling a 50/50
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 02:09:06 AMThey are all Hail Marys. Rarely catches a guy in stride. But he does like to try the sit & wait 50/50 ball when 1-on-1. So far this game I think he's 50% on those, but the hits are huge yardage.
Facts, never has been able to sling nasty, if he could he would have been elite
No way they FG attempt with Lauther here
Wow, it's a miracle!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 26, 2025, 02:21:26 AMNo way they FG attempt with Lauther here
Wow, it's a miracle!
He isn't that bad but rough start
Like Leggs just gotta straighten out lol
Quote from: dd on July 26, 2025, 02:11:42 AMYes, they are all Hail Mary's but she's full of grace tonight!!! Cody has completed more deep balls in his first start than Ford did in his 6!!!
4 points.
Quote from: Jesse on July 26, 2025, 02:32:52 AM4 points.
dont think Ford had a half where they only scored 4 points
Another guy hurt bad Miller
Man another ST guy out
That's the Elk's ball!
game is likely over
Elks would need Joe Montana to win this one
boyko got so beat
The Elks are just awful. :(
so many penalties by the Elks
Quote from: The Zipp on July 26, 2025, 03:06:53 AMso many penalties by the Elks
Every game. Why can't they play a cleaner game? I think that's on the coach.
That might be it.
Cody nice throw
Nice play Cody
hard to win when you take stupid penalties
not sure Harveys strategy to not pay receivers is working
19 hurt bad Sask
Elks need 7 here bad
6 sacks wow
- June 5: vs Ottawa (7 PM) W
- June 14: @ Hamilton (5 PM) W
- June 20: @ Toronto (5 PM) W
- June 28: vs BC (5 PM) W
- July 12: vs Calgary (2 PM) L
- July 19: @ BC (5 PM) W
- July 25: vs Edmonton (7 PM) W
Not a tough schedule to this point and the one good team they played during this stretch beat them.
- August 2: @ Montreal (5 PM)
- August 16: vs Hamilton (1 PM)
- August 23: @ Calgary (5 PM)
- August 31: vs Winnipeg (5 PM)
- September 6: @ Winnipeg (2 PM)
- September 13: vs Montreal (5 PM)
These six games look to be the meat of their schedule. This section of their schedule will show us how good the Riders actually are.- September 27: @ Edmonton (5 PM)
- October 3: @ Ottawa (5 PM)
- October 10: vs Toronto (7 PM)
- October 17: @ Winnipeg (6 PM)
- October 25: vs BC (5 PM)
This looks to be a pretty soft finish with the one game against us figuring to be the toughest unless Toronto finds their game..
There is bad and then the Elks bad
Nice touch on the ball there
Delay of game lol
Just embarrassing with all these stupid Elk penalties.
Well, that's the kind of RTP call I absolutely hate.
Quote from: Jesse on July 26, 2025, 03:59:55 AMWell, that's the kind of RTP call I absolutely hate.
Smacked Fajardo's head with his flying butt, that's a penalty.
Question: Is it legal for defenders in the CFL to have headsets in their helmets? Could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Riders D is using a headset.
Well there is hope in Edmonton after all. Their O line is atrocious that's one thing, but the stupid penalties are killing them!! If they cut out the penalties lookout they ll beat some teams.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 26, 2025, 04:35:44 AMQuestion: Is it legal for defenders in the CFL to have headsets in their helmets? Could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Riders D is using a headset.
I think one player does to receive a play call.
Riders have a very good D. Montreal, Calgary, Riders, 1,2,3. in the league.
Quote from: Jesse on July 26, 2025, 05:14:04 AMI think one player does to receive a play call.
Can't find any mention of defensive headsets being allowed in the rules and I've never noticed their use before. From what I understand the NFL has allowed them for over a decade.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 26, 2025, 03:43:42 PMCan't find any mention of defensive headsets being allowed in the rules and I've never noticed their use before. From what I understand the NFL has allowed them for over a decade.
You seem to be right, just my own head cannon, I guess.
Quote from: Jesse on July 26, 2025, 05:14:04 AMI think one player does to receive a play call.
I'm pretty sure no headsets except for QBs. That's why on most plays you see the entire D stretching their necks towards the sidelines looking for the MLB hand signals...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 27, 2025, 04:47:44 AMI'm pretty sure no headsets except for QBs. That's why on most plays you see the entire D stretching their necks towards the sidelines looking for the MLB hand signals...
Waiting to re-watch the replay but I saw 2 circumstances that caused me to think Mace was talking directly to a defender on the field. In one case the D-backs were in a tight huddle and one player placed his hands over the ear holes as if trying to hear a message, just like QB's often do when the crowd is loud.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 27, 2025, 05:16:23 AMWaiting to re-watch the replay but I saw 2 circumstances that caused me to think Mace was talking directly to a defender on the field. In one case the D-backs were in a tight huddle and one player placed his hands over the ear holes as if trying to hear a message, just like QB's often do when the crowd is loud.
Uh oh, you're piquing my tinfoil...
If they are,
and if we're right about it being disallowed, then a) that explains a LOT about SSK's rise to power, and b) this would be a huge scandal on par with "stealing MLB hand signals-gate".