Tevaughn Campbell returns to practice as Riders prepare for Calgary

The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be close to getting another key piece of their team back.

Tevaughn Campbell, the all-star defensive back who has been out since Week 9, was back on the field with the CFL club on Monday as a limited participant in practice.

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“I feel healthy and I feel as good as I can feel after what I’ve been through,” Campbell said. “It’s just day-by-day and getting back into the swing of things.”

Campbell suffered a broken forearm in the contest against the Edmonton Elks on Aug. 1.

“There’s not a lot you can do after you get surgery. You just have to wait until it heals and you get the strength back and then you can work on physio, mainly getting strength and range of motion back into my joints in my elbow and my wrist,” Campbell said.

While there was concern the injury could be season-ending, Campbell remained focused on getting back on the field.

“My goal was always to come back. I never really accounted for it to be season-ending. I just always had my mind on coming back and playing football,” Campbell said.

Since his injury, the Riders’ defence has seen the defensive backfield go through a number of changes as they have navigated having two Canadian starters in the group.

Safety Nelson Lokombo played halfback at points this season while Jonathan Edouard started a number of games for the team at halfback as well. Last week, first-round selection Malcolm Bell started his first CFL game in a 31-24 loss to the B.C. Lions.

Campbell said he has been lending a hand to the younger players who have had to go out there this season.

“They have been fitting in real good from the start of training camp to now. There’s not a lot they need at this point in the season but the little things they do need that they come to the vets for, I can help with,” Campbell said.

After years in the NFL, Campbell came back to the CFL last season to join the Riders. He became a key part of the Riders championship DNA as he had six interceptions.

This year, in seven games, Campbell doesn’t have an interception but does have three pass knockdowns.

“We kind of knew this would be around the time (he would be back). Between last week getting A.J. (Ouellette) and (Kian Schaffer-Baker) and then (Campbell) and Sam (Emilus) on the horizon, we are getting a bunch of guys back so awesome to have him out here. Missed his playmaking ability and his energy,” Riders’ head coach Corey Mace said.

So how close is he?

“Pretty damn close. He’s out here, so it’s a good sign,” Mace said.

Quarterback Trevor Harris was listed as a non-participant due to an illness.

“Not feeling 100. I know he ordered sushi the night before the game. I don’t know if he’s a sashimi guy. I don’t know what’s going on there,” Mace said jokingly. “He will be OK.”

Running back Quali Conley (wrist), defensive end Derick Roberson (knee), and wide receiver Daniel Wiebe (head) were all limited. Linebacker Josh Woods (ankle) was a full participant. Returner James Letcher (shoulder) was a non-participant.

Saskatchewan will host the Calgary Stampeders on Friday. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m.

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