Cody Fajardo returns as Alouettes' starting QB after missing 6 weeks

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In an ideal world, quarterback Cody Fajardo would have made his triumphant return from a hamstring damage final week at Saskatchewan — his residence for 3 seasons earlier than signing with the Alouettes as a free agent final 12 months.

However life doesn’t all the time work out the way in which we wish.

“It was tough to attend, however it was a wise factor to do,” Fajardo stated. “That’s in all probability probably the most video games I’ve missed in my profession. Clearly staying on the sideline hurts, however when your staff wins 4 video games whenever you’re out, it’s good. You don’t really feel rushed to get again.”

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Fajardo returns because the Als’ beginning quarterback Sunday evening (7 p.m., TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) when Montreal hosts Edmonton at Molson Stadium. The Als will honour members of the 1974 Gray Cup champions at halftime and shall be carrying retro uniforms and helmets from that season.

With a Hamilton loss Friday evening at Winnipeg or an Als’ win on Sunday, Montreal will clinch an East Division playoff berth.

Fajardo suffered a hamstring damage on the finish of the primary quarter July 11, towards Toronto, changed by Caleb Evans. Montreal suffered its solely defeat that evening. Evans began once more two weeks later, towards the Roughriders, however was changed by Davis Alexander to start the second half.

The Als got here again from a 13-point deficit that evening and haven’t seemed again, Alexander profitable three video games because the starter and going 4-0 total. It has been years — if in any respect — since Montreal had such a strong tandem on the quarterback place.

Whereas the bar has been set excessive for Fajardo due to Alexander, it shouldn’t be forgotten Montreal was 5-0 this season with him after ending 2023 on an eight-game profitable streak, together with post-season play.

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Fajardo, who was named the Cup’s most dear participant final season, has accomplished 141 of 182 passes for 1,636 yards and 10 touchdowns whereas being intercepted 4 instances. His season-high efficiency of 393 yards and three touchdowns got here June 20 towards Ottawa.

Head coach Jason Maas made it clear all through Fajardo’s restoration course of he would return because the starter as soon as wholesome. Honestly, the subject by no means needed to be broached.

“He (Alexander) did an awesome job of coming in and doing the sudden, making the uncomfortable look snug,” Fajardo, 32, stated. “I advised him I used to be jealous how he made it look so rattling simple. For a younger man with out a variety of expertise, he got here in and made it look too rattling simple. It took me 5 or 6 years. I’m extraordinarily happy with him. We’ve an awesome relationship. He has an awesome soccer thoughts and I ask him questions.”

Fajardo stated it helped his psychological restoration being activated final week, taking part within the pre-game warm-up and figuring out he doubtlessly was one play away from returning to motion. What stays to be decided, is how shortly he can rise up to sport velocity.

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“When the sport comes, adrenalin’s going to be working excessive,” Fajardo stated. “I’ll be assured within the capability I’ve proven over the past two years right here. I’ll exit and attempt to get right into a rhythm and a circulation.”

If nothing else, Fajardo’s damage proved to Mass and the group the staff can win with Alexander. That didn’t diminish how stunned many had been with how shortly he carried out at a excessive stage.

“The largest factor (Alexander) did was run the offence effectively and play inside himself,” stated Maas, himself a former CFL quarterback. “He made performs after they had been there to be made and has a particular skill-set and skill. Hats off to him for holding it down for us. He’s a significantly better quarterback now after that have than he was stepping into. And we already knew he was fairly rattling good.”

Whereas the Elks (3-7) are final within the West Division and already fired head coach and normal supervisor Chris Jones, the staff is on a three-game profitable streak and has scored extra factors than they’ve allowed. Montreal edged Edmonton 23-20 at Commonwealth Stadium on June 14 in its second sport this season.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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