The Saskatchewan Roughriders eased off the throttle on Thursday with a walk-through practice as training camp nears its conclusion, but for defensive lineman Caleb Sanders, simply being back on the field was a welcome step forward.
After missing time early in camp with an ankle injury suffered just before camp opened, Sanders has returned to practice and is beginning to see more reps along the defensive line.
“Unfortunately, I came into camp with a little ankle injury,” Sanders explained. “So, getting out here these last couple of days has been really good just to be able to run around and just feel like a part of the team again.”
The injury was simply “bad timing,” according to Sanders, who said the ankle issue has now been fully rehabbed. While Thursday’s practice focused more on mental preparation than physical workload, head coach Corey Mace said the decision was made after several demanding days throughout camp.
“Just looking at how the camp has been,” Mace said. “Going on too many overloaded days. It was just wise to slow down and just attack the mental component of it so that we can go out and finish the camp strong with a good practice tomorrow.”
The lighter workload may have benefited players like Sanders, who are still ramping back up physically while also trying to stay mentally sharp in one of the toughest stretches of the football calendar.
“I love practice. I love being out here,” Sanders said. “So, every rep that I don’t get, it just hurts a little bit at a time.”
The fourth-year Roughrider is entering what could be a pivotal season in his CFL career. After contributing as part of Saskatchewan’s Grey Cup championship team last season, Sanders is now hoping to establish himself as a full-time starter on a retooled defensive line.
“For me, I wanted to make a big step,” Sanders said. “First year where I’m hoping to come out as a starter, so I have high expectations for myself.”
Sanders believes his offseason preparation has helped position him for that opportunity. The former South Dakota State University standout said he focused more heavily on conditioning work this winter.
“I think I ran a little more this offseason than I did in the previous offseasons. I think it’s paid off. I think I’ve got a full gas tank. I feel faster than I did last year.”
The Roughriders defensive front will feature several new faces this season, meaning chemistry remains a work in progress as camp wraps up.
“It comes down to just getting reps,” Sanders said. “At the end of the day, you can draw up all the scheme you want, but if guys can’t execute it, then it’s just not going to work.”
One familiar face helping guide that process is former CFL all-star Micah Johnson, who has transitioned into a coaching role with Saskatchewan’s defensive line.
“It’s awesome,” Sanders said. “He’s a great coach. He’s doing all the right things. So, I’m really excited to see where we go as a unit this year with him leading us.”
Even with training camp nearly complete, Sanders acknowledged there is still a mental grind that comes with absorbing the playbook and immediately translating coaching points into live reps.
“Just being able to learn that and then be able to get coached the right technique and then translate that to team periods where you’re going live against guys who have been doing it for a long time, it’s hard,” Sanders said. “But it’s just something that you have to be able to do as a professional.”
As the Roughriders prepare to transition from camp into the regular season, Sanders is focused on making up for lost time and proving he is ready for an expanded role along Saskatchewan’s defensive front.
