The Saskatchewan Roughriders started off their 2026 CFL campaign with a 31-27 victory over the B.C. Lions and Glen Suitor wasn't surprised by 40-year-old Trevor Harris' performance.
"We saw what 2026 looks like for Trevor Harris at 40, and his age is just a number for him," Suitor said to SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk. "He beat the Lions and Father Time."
Harris completed 30-of-36 passes for 417 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Last season, Harris started 16 games for the Green and White, throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He helped the Riders win their fifth Grey Cup in franchise history, defeating the Montreal Alouettes 25-17. After the game, Harris was presented with the Grey Cup MVP trophy.
While Saskatchewan came out on top, players like Rolan Milligan Jr. and Nelson Lokombo were injured and won't play in their next game against the Calgary Stampeders.
"I've always said that the secondary and the O-line are the two positions on the field that have to be completely in sync. So when you have an injury and either of those position groups, you're probably going to have a bit of a drop-off in communication," Suitor explained.
"The guys behind, especially in Nelson's job, at safety, on the depth chart have experience. So they'll be able to communicate the calls and things like that. It's a hit to lose Rolan Milligan Jr., he's one of the best, if not the best, defensive back in the league."
The Riders will use Juju Hughes to plug in at Milligan Jr.'s position; meanwhile, Regina native Jaxon Ford will take over for Lokombo.
Last season, the Riders were unable to defeat the Stampeders in the two regular-season meetings. The first time was in Week 6, losing 24-10, and the next time was in Week 12, losing 32-15.
When it comes to the upcoming game, Suitor shares the match-up he is keeping an eye on.
"You remember Jaylon Hutchings from last year before he went to the NFL? He's back. Folarin Orimolade, who is a premier rush end in the league, has been practicing full. I know from their report that they've been practicing at full speed. So you may have that back on the D-line to deal with," Suitor said.
"That's where the match-up in that game is going to be to me, the Saskatchewan O-line and Trevor having time to throw and being comfortable in the pocket, like he was against B.C., if they have Hutchings back and Orimolade back against possibly the best D-line in the league on paper."
Out of the two players that Suitor mentioned, Calgary announced that Hutchings will make his 2026 CFL season debut against the Riders on Saturday.
Saskatchewan heads Calgary to take on the Stampeders and the Rider Broadcast Network has the pre-game show at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder will have the call at 5 p.m. You can either watch the stream or listen on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
