On the first day of the final week of the season, there was a positive addition on the field for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Defensive tackle Anthony Lanier practiced with his teammates on Tuesday as the green and white held their workout inside of the Affinityplex Indoor Soccer Centre.

Lanier has been out of the Riders lineup since August 19, with the team listing his absence due to a head injury.

The 29 year old explains that he didn’t learn how to take recuperate while he was playing college football at Alabama A&M.

“I didn’t understand how to take care of my body the proper way all of these years.”

Lanier added.  “I had to reevaluate and seek out help outside of the organization to understand how I can take care of my body. ”

The Riders defensive tackle explains that he is ready to get back and make an impact on the field.

“In my time of playing football, I have not been able to get the necessary tools where I needed to get my body where I needed to be so being able to have that time to take off and get everything back and running it’s going to be amazing to see me back on the field.”

Saskatchewan’s defence has surely missed Lanier’s service in the lineup. In the passing game the pass rush has decreased, while the rushing yards allowed has increased.

Heading into the final week of the season, the Riders defensive tackle is still ranked seventh overall in the CFL with seven sacks despite only appearing in ten games.

He noted that it was difficult watching the defence struggled over the last couple of months, Lanier added that he tried to support his teammates as much as he could while he was out of the lineup.

It remains to be seen if Lanier will become a surprise addition to the Roughriders roster in the season finale, as he would not reveal his status when asked after practice.

Saskatchewan will conclude the regular season on Saturday in Calgary at McMahon Stadium against the Stampeders. 620 CKRM will have coverage of the game, with Countdown to Kickoff at 3:00, opening kickoff at 6:00.