It did not unfold the way he wanted to, but Mason Fine of the Saskatchewan Roughriders is ready for the opportunity to lead the green and white as the team’s starting quarterback.

Due to Trevor Harris’ knee injury during Saturday’s defeat to the Calgary Stampeders, Fine will start for the Roughriders when they meet the BC Lions on Saturday.

For a team that has relied on their depth on several occasions in 2023, the 26-year-old understands he’s the latest example of the next-man-up mentality the Roughriders have embraced.

“It’s football, we’re professionals, got to step up to the plate and be the best quarterback that I can be for this team.”

Entering his third campaign with Saskatchewan, Saturday will mark Fine’s third start for the Roughriders. He started in the final two games last season and believes his preparation improved as a result.

“Every single week you learn something new, how to prepare in the film room, what to do with your body, understanding your body, being able to make those throws, make the runs, break the tackles, and just be a complete overall football player on and off the field. ”

In Saturday’s loss against Calgary, Fine and the Roughriders almost pulled a rabbit from their hat when the quarterback completed a “Hail Mary” to Tevin Jones for a 69-yard pass touchdown that put the Roughriders ahead momentarily ahead by one point. The North Texas product admitted there was some luck on the Saskatchewan side during the touchdown but believed the offence gained momentum on the previous drive before the touchdown.

“That was a good drive, it was the first time we were in the red zone all day and hopefully you can build off of stuff like that.”

Approaching this week’s contest with a Lions team that features a ferocious pass rush, Fine says his focus remains on himself.

“Don’t try and mould yourself into someone that you’re not, be the quarterback that you are.”

Fine believes the game plan put together by himself and offensive coordinator Kelly Jeffrey will put the quarterback in the best position to succeed.

Jeffrey said on Tuesday that the Roughriders offensive scheme won’t require any adjustments with the change at quarterback. He explains that the offensive playbook was built with Fine and Jake Dolegala in mind since they were the quarterbacks on the Roughriders roster when Jeffrey accepted the offensive coordinator position.

“My whole time putting things together I was thinking about Mason (Fine), I was thinking about Jake Dolegala and how we can best get them to move the football. So in a way, this offence is set up more than him (Fine) than it is for Trevor.”

Offensive guard Logan Ferland feels it’s a benefit to have someone with the experience that Fine possesses.

“He got a decent amount of playing time last year and it showed in the last quarter, just how he plays, we were able to drive the ball a couple of times, so I think that’s important the game time experience he’s had and he brings a lot to the table.

The dream of being a starting quarterback didn’t materialize the way he envisioned, but Fine is ready to seize his moment.

“The opportunity is there, I mean, it’s everything you could ask for.”

Practice Notebook

• There was some positive news on the injury front for the Roughriders on Tuesday. Left tackle Brandon Council was back on the field after he missed last week with a finger injury. Centre Peter Godber attended practice, but didn’t participate in any drills. Head Coach Craig Dickenson said the team is hoping to get Godber back on the field on Wednesday.
• Wide receiver Brayden Lenius practiced with the team on Tuesday, he’s eligible to come off the six-game injured list next week. Dickenson said the team hopes to have Lenius back in the lineup next week when the Roughriders meet the Toronto Argonauts in Touchdown Atlantic in Halifax on July 29.
• Players who didn’t practice on Tuesday include defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II (Foot), defensive back Rolan Milligan (Back/Foot), kicker Brett Lauther (Leg), safety Jaxon Ford (Ankle), and linebacker Matt Dean (Foot).
• Defensive linemen Pete Robertson (Ankle) and Charbel Dabire (Leg) both practiced in a limited role.