Roughriders’ Justin Capicciotti returns from injury after 2 weeks away

It has been two weeks since Roughriders fans have seen Justin Capicciotti at camp, but Wednesday he returned – and no one was happier than he was.

“It’s tough not practicing,” Capicciotti said after his first practice back. “So the first chance I got out there, just flying around, felt good.”

It was day three – May 31 – that Capicciotti was first listed with a day-to-day injury, but it became more like week-to-week by the time he returned. Jones praised the training staff’s work with the defensive end, saying he’s been through “the rigours” to ensure he’s not going back on the field too soon.

“I feel great,” Capicciotti added. “The training staff did a great (job) easing me back into practice so I don’t have to get a ton of reps right away, so I felt really good today.”

Neither Jones nor Capicciotti would comment on what injury kept the defensive star away from practice, but it is believed to be a groin issue.

Capicciotti’s injury sidelined him during the first pre-season game, but he liked what he saw of the defence.

“They looked fast, man, they were flying around. It was exciting to watch. It definitely made me want to be there,” he said, adding he wasn’t sure if he would play in Edmonton.

However, Chris Jones confirmed that Capicciotti will absolutely see time on Saturday and that it’s good to have him back.

Capicciotti was signed by the Roughriders during this year’s free agency. He had spent the previous two years with the Ottawa Redblacks before coming to Saskatchewan. While there he earned double digit sacks in both 2014 and 2015. All told he has 25 career sacks, 117 career tackles and a forced fumble.

Now with the Roughriders, Capicciotti is optimistic of what’s to come on the defensive line, and excited to be a part of it.

“I think we’re going to have one of the best pass rushes in the league,” he said. “The guys they brought in and things they’re teaching us, it’s going to be a good year.”

Notes:

• The Roughriders signed defensive tackle Jonathan Williams and cut Shay Hodge. Williams will see time in Saturday’s game.
• Graig Newman also returned from injury today and is expected to play in Edmonton.