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While Harris does his work off the field to get better and try to return to the lineup as soon as possible, Drew Tate — his replacement at starting quarterback — is pushing ahead and preparing for the Redblacks’ next game on Sunday afternoon in Montreal.

Photo by Julie Oliver / Postmedia

“I have an opportunity to give back to my teammates,” said Tate. “I feel like the only thing I’ve done is drop a snap to lose a game on a field goal. Other than that, I threw a touchdown pass to (Joshua) Stangby last game. I’m looking to help my teammates a bit more.

“I’m about to turn 33. I’ve been up here 11 years. I’ve had some pretty sh-t luck to be honest. But none of that matters. I’m with a new team, a new system, I feel good, I love the locker-room. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Getting the start, with Ryan Lindley in a backup role, is a challenge Tate says he’s up for.

“It’s a big deal,” he said. “I just see me going in and completing passes, moving the chains and putting points on the board — literally, just leave it that way. I’ve done it before, I’ve played a bit of football. Just go play and have fun.

“Really, nothing’s changed other than I’m actually throwing the ball in practice. You see us behind the quarterback taking reps every day, now I just have to throw it.”

Before being dealt to Ottawa in the off-season, Tate spent two years either on the practice roster and injured reserve in Saskatchewan, then eight seasons in Calgary, mostly as a backup.

“It’s kind of like riding a bike, he’s been there, done that,” said Campbell. “Hopefully he can get right back out there and go. I don’t think the game is too big for him.”