Roughriders defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II is helping his new QB while tackling others.
Published Aug 11, 2023 • 3 minute read
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II on the field against the Ottawa Redblacks in CFL action in Regina, SK, August 6, 2023. Photo by Liam Richards /Electric Umbrella
Now that he’s again looking like one of the CFL’s dominant players, Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end Anthony Lanier II is heading into Friday’s game eager to greet an old friend.
And hit him.
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Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo used to play for the Roughriders. Fajardo’s playing status Friday, when his former team is scheduled to visit Montreal’s Percival Molson Stadium (5:30 p.m., TSN), is announced as a game-time decision because his left shoulder absorbed some debilitating blows in the Alouettes’ most recent game.
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“Oh, yeah,” Lanier said this week when asked if he was looking forward to colliding with Fajardo.
“Between the lines, he’s enemies. But outside and any other time, we love his son Luca, we love his family and we love Cody.”
Fajardo and his wife, Laura, have a son Luca, who was born 11 months ago when his dad was entrenched as Saskatchewan’s starting quarterback. That changed as the Roughriders completed their 6-12 season, with backup quarterback Mason Fine replacing Fajardo for Saskatchewan’s last two games.
Fajardo wasn’t re-signed by Saskatchewan and instead joined the Alouettes along with new head coach Jason Maas, who had been fired as the Roughriders’ offensive coordinator following two unproductive seasons.
Amid the pregame hype for the only Alouettes-Roughriders meeting scheduled this season, Saskatchewan head coach Craig Dickenson was asked why his team moved away from Fajardo and Maas.
“We weren’t good enough on offence last year and there was a multitude of reasons,” said Dickenson. “We felt like we needed to make changes, needed some fresh ideas and new faces. That’s why we did it. If we were successful, they’d still be here.
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“I had a pretty good visit with Jason when we let him go and he understood. He didn’t like it but he understood. And he landed on his feet just fine. I would never wish anybody to not have success. I’m happy they both found a new home in Montreal, that they’re doing well and enjoying working and living in Montreal.”
Each team recently suffered through a three-game losing streak. Montreal has bounced back with two straight victories, improving to 4-3, while Saskatchewan snapped its skid with a 26-24 victory Sunday against the visiting Ottawa Redblacks.
An impressive defensive performance against Ottawa helped the Roughriders improve to 4-4. Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum was sacked six times, three by Lanier, who also had five tackles.
It was Saskatchewan’s best defensive showing of the season, but Lanier didn’t want to admit that.
“Probably not,” said Lanier. “I wouldn’t say that because you never want to put a cap on anything. You always want to keep striving for greater and better.”
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II walks out to the field prior to a game against the Toronto Argonauts on Jul 28, 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia for Touchdown Atlantic. Photo by Kevin Sousa /CFL
Lanier was re-signed by the Roughriders in the offseason to a one-year contract worth $250,000, according to 3DownNation, making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in the CFL. With the addition of another powerful interior lineman, six-time divisional all-star Micah Johnson, the Roughriders shifted Lanier from tackle to end.
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“Wherever the team needs me,” said Lanier. “The coaches do a great job of seeing the personnel.
“When they say that’s where it’s supposed to be, that’s where it’s gonna be. And when we get to those positions, that’s where we have to execute. I approach it all the same.”
A foot injury has plagued Lanier this season, limiting him to five games. His apparent return to full strength can truly help the Roughriders as they attempt to stimulate their offence under Fine, who is replacing injured starter Trevor Harris and finally won for the first time in five starts.
“With any quarterback your defence always is gonna have their back,” said Lanier. “Whether it’s a new quarterback, old quarterback, a quarterback with experience or no experience, your defence is always saying they can be counted on.”
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