Tevaughn Campbell was pleased to be back practicing in full gear for Thursday’s practice, especially ahead of such a critical game.
The defensive back has been out of the Saskatchewan Roughriders lineup since he broke his forearm in the Aug. 1 matchup against Edmonton. He’s likely to return to the lineup at corner for Monday’s tilt against the Montreal Alouettes.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Campbell said. “I haven’t played in so long. To get back on the field with the guys – especially in practice – to relearn the guys and relearn how they play certain plays, it's just good to get out here.”
Campbell has found it difficult to have to sit out and watch games, “especially as a competitor.” Campbell said that he feels completely ready to get back in the lineup, as he knows his teammates have been missing him on the field.
“I wouldn’t just go out there to be 80 percent and try to give it my all but I know I can’t,” he said. “No, I think I’m 100 percent.”
Watching the last eight games from the sidelines, Campbell thinks that one of the biggest problems he’s been seeing for the Riders are when his teammates make “little mistakes” that the team simply can’t afford to make.
“Sometimes it goes unnoticed, but when it is noticed, it’s noticed big,” he said. “We just need to cut those things out and just be on our game.”
Campbell recognizes the challenges ahead in the game against the Alouettes. The obvious threats the Riders defence will have to deal with are Montreal receivers Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead as well as quarterback Davis Alexander.
“You’ve just got to limit the explosions,” Campbell said. “I know Philpot’s a great deep threat. He’s got great ball judgement. He goes up and gets it. You’ve just got to limit that and limit Davis’ pocket. Don’t let him get out of the pocket. Don’t let him extend plays.”
Returning at a critical time for the Riders, Campbell is completely aware of what’s expected of the team – particularly of the defence.
“Especially now at this time of the season, we’ve got to start getting turnovers, interceptions, get the ball out, get whatever we can,” he said.
