Roughriders head coach Corey Mace addresses the team ahead of the team's preseason finale against the Edmonton Elks. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)
After more than two weeks in Saskatoon, the Roughriders completed their final walk-through of training camp in Bridge City on Friday before their final preseason game at Edmonton on Saturday.
“Everybody's excited for the game,” head coach Corey Mace said after the walk-through, “We won't be using a ton of starters, but it's a chance for our guys to prove they deserve to be a part of this team. There's a lot of close games that the coaching staff has to keep an eye on, and it's a great opportunity to put yourself in a situation like this.”
Quarterback Trevor Harris is not expected to play in Saturday afternoon's game in Edmonton but will travel with the team and help coach the younger players.
“[He's]a leader. Being an extra coach on the field and being able to help our quarterbacks have the most success possible is why I love Trevor and all the leaders here,” Mace said. “We push each other to be the best version of ourselves. I love that about veteran leadership.”
With Harris likely on the bench, Mason Fine has made a case to be the backup quarterback and is expected to get more practice time than he did last week.
He's excited about the opportunity.
“I think I just have to go out there and do my job. Nothing's set in stone yet. I've got to go out there and execute and play within the offense,” he explained. “If I'm sharp-eyed, sharp-footed, throwing the ball accurately and making the right reads, what's going to happen is going to happen.”
Fine added that his biggest goal if he gets the backup quarterback spot is to always be ready in case a game situation arises.
“I'm looking forward to getting out on the football field and playing easy and free, not putting too much pressure on myself and watching our guys make plays and our offense run down the field,” he said.
Earlier this week, Mace said he had more answers than questions coming into Monday's preseason opener against Winnipeg. When asked about questions that still need to be answered, Mace said there are still some positions open.
“I think there's still an opportunity for guys to solidify themselves at certain positions, there's still an opportunity to fill some roster spots. We talk about special teams and the importance of that. And from that standpoint, now is the time to be aggressive in practice and see if we have a firm grasp of the playbook,” Mace explained.
Mace added that fans will be able to see defensive players moving around different positions throughout the lineup.
“That's one of the reasons I love coach (Joshua Bell). He told us early on from a defensive back standpoint, 'Hey, this is your position, but I'm going to move you all over the place, so remember it all.' We've been doing that in camp and I think we'll probably do that in the game,” Mace said.
“The old adage is the more the merrier, and it's true. We'll change lineups, but we're prepared for that. If we find ourselves in a pinch for any reason, whether it's tomorrow or throughout the season, I feel comfortable that our guys know the playbook, they'll digest it and they'll be able to execute the game plan without it hindering us,” he added.
Saturday's game at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.
