Roughriders QB Fajardo unsure how long he can play the pain game

WOLFVILLE — Cody Fajardo isn't sure how much longer he can continue playing on his ailing left knee.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders starting quarterback has been playing with a brace on his knee since the second week of the CFL season. Earlier this week, Fajardo expressed optimism his knee was actually starting to come around.

But that all changed Saturday afternoon in Saskatchewan's 30-24 loss to Toronto in the 2022 Touchdown Atlantic contest. In the second quarter, Fajardo was in obvious pain after being sacked by Argonauts defensive lineman Shawn Oakman.

Saskatchewan unsuccessfully challenged the play, citing roughing the passer. The Riders then had to settle for Brett Lauther's 30-yard field goal that tied the score 7-7.

Fajardo finished the contest, completing 24 of 34 passes for 284 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Toronto's Wynton McManis returned Fajardo's second pick 50 yards for a touchdown that, following a two-point convert, put the Argos ahead 30-24 with just over two minutes remaining.

Toronto's Shaq Richardson clinched the win, intercepting Fajardo for the final time with under 30 seconds to play.

Afterwards, Fajardo lamented about Toronto not being penalized for Oakman's sack.

“This is the second time I’ve taken a hit to the leg and no call has been (made)," he said. "Last time we got a call but there was no fine, no talk, no reprimand.

"If you're going to call it even, call it even. If I got a penalty there, it wouldn't make it feel any better but it would've kept us on the football field.”

And it's clear Fajardo is upset about the lack of penalties being called for low hits to his ailing leg.

"At the end of the day, it's player safety that's on the line and I'm pretty frustrated by