Saskatchewan Roughriders American defensive lineman Anthony Lanier has been on the six-game injured list for six games. He practiced for the first time on Monday since suffering a knee injury against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 8. 

“Still working on it, the trainers are doing a great job of getting me back ready. Strength and conditioning coaches have been putting the work in to make sure that I am ready to go when it’s time to pull the trigger. It’s up to the training staff, so I trust them in whatever decisions they make,” Lanier said. 

Following a bye week, the Riders are preparing for Friday’s game in Calgary with the focus on snapping a seven-game winless streak.

“Especially at this time in my career, you’re thinking about the worst,” Lanier said about recovering from his setback. “I miss it so much, it’s exhilarating.” 

The 31-year-old has recorded nine tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in seven games this season. During 39 games with Saskatchewan, he has made 60 tackles, 16 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

“Close. He had a helmet on today, so that was a start. He’s trending in the right direction,” head coach Corey Mace said. “You insert Anthony Lanier into anything, it’s a plus.” 

The six-foot-six, 285-pound disruptor spent parts of five seasons in the NFL, earning over $1.25 million prior to coming north of the border and signing with the Roughriders. According to 3DownNation, Lanier is the ninth highest-paid defensive linemen in the CFL in 2024.

The Roughriders are back on the field Friday night when Saskatchewan heads to Calgary to take on the Stampeders. Countdown to Kick-off begins with Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 4:30 p.m. Luc Mullinder, and I will join in at 6:30 p.m. with the kick-off to follow at 7:30 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.