Patterson started the last six games at quarterback for the Roughriders, filling in for the injured Trevor Harris who is expected back this week
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Shea Patterson had an extra set of eyes on him last week.
As the Saskatchewan Roughriders took on the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday in the nation’s capital, Patterson’s one-month-old son Carter was in attendance after the quarterback’s partner Jessica flew from Michigan to Ottawa for an impromptu visit.
“I didn’t know they were coming and they called me from the garage the night before (the game) and surprised me,” Patterson said this week as the Riders returned to practice. “It was so great to see the little guy. It was the first time seeing him since he was born.
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“Just brought so much joy to my heart.”
Carter, who was born July 6, got to spend some time with his dad the night before the game and then for about 30 minutes after the game — a 22-22 tie between the Riders and Redblacks in Week 10 of the CFL season.
“It was slow motion when I was with him,” said the proud dad. “I see him light up when I talk to him on the phone all day (but) when I’m in person and say the same things that I’m saying on the phone, you get to see him light up, it’s just different.
“And something that I’ll never take for granted.”
What Patterson also doesn’t take for granted is the opportunity he was presented with for the past six weeks, as he served as the Roughriders starting quarterback while Trevor Harris was on the six-game injured list with a knee injury.
With Harris on track to resume the starting role this week against the Montreal Alouettes on Friday (7 p.m., TSN), the 27-year-old Patterson reflected on his first six starts in the CFL and what it meant to him.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it,” said Patterson, who in his second season with the Riders after turning pro in 2020. “Especially for an organization like this.
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“(Head Coach Corey) Mace believing in me and (offensive coordinator Marc) Mueller giving me the opportunity and trusting me, that’s huge.
“It’s something I’ve been waiting on for three or four years.”
In six starts, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound Patterson guided the Riders to a 2-3-1 record, while averaging 259.7 passing yards per game to go along with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran the ball 20 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns for Saskatchewan, who remains atop the West Division with a 5-3-1 record at the midway point in the season.
“How Shea was able to take care of the football being in his first string of starts, I thought was incredible,” said Mace. “The turnovers, as it pertains to winning, is a key component to victory and he was outstanding.
“I think he’s proven and will continue to prove that he can play in the league and at a high level.”
As for the quarterback’s thoughts on his performance?
“I’d say I stepped in and did the best I could,” said Patterson. “We’re still No. 1 in our division.
“Defence played great the entire six games that I was in there, which was huge. It kept us in a lot of games and I thought we made plays when we were supposed to make them.
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“You always want to give your team a chance to win but you want to be that guy that leaves no doubt in a game. Especially when your defence is playing well.
“You want to be that guy that steps in and controls and takes over the game. Not only gives the team a chance to win but to go win a game for a team.
“Some games I did that, some games I didn’t but that’s just something I’m working on.
“I’m working on getting better every single day and I’m going to be better the next time I step out onto the field.”
Injury report
Along with Harris logging a full practice session on Tuesday for a second straight day, running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) was also a full participant along with receiver KeeSean Johnson (head).
Defensively, linebacker Jameer Thurman (elbow) also practised fully on Tuesday and is expected to make his return to the lineup on Friday after a one-game absence. Meanwhile, fellow linebacker C.J. Avery (head) has missed both workouts, leaving his status uncertain for Friday.
After being limited on Day 1, rookie receiver Ajou Ajou (finger) didn’t practise on Tuesday. Neither did defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado (head).
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Along the offensive line, no injuries but it appears Logan Ferland and Nick Jones could swap positions this week as Ferland has been getting reps at right tackle, while Jones has been seeing time at right guard.
In Montreal, quarterback Davis Alexander missed Alouettes’ practice for personal reasons while Cody Fajardo (hamstring) was limited. Receiver Tyson Philpot (foot) also didn’t practise.
Riders add one
The Roughriders also signed another player on Tuesday as the club agreed to terms with Canadian linebacker Zack Philion.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder previously spent time with the Redblacks after being drafted 58th overall by Ottawa. Prior to that, the 25-year-old played for Concordia University from 2021-23. He also played one season at New Mexico Military Institute.
His father Ed Philion, a former NFL and CFL defensive lineman, was the defensive line coach for the Riders from 2016-18.
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