It didn’t take long to deal with introductions for the Saskatchewan Roughriders defence at training camp in Saskatoon.
With a veteran-laden squad returning, the two new faces of the unit were already familiar with the green and white defensive schemes and share the same name.
Defensive tackle Micah Johnson is back for his third stint with Saskatchewan after spending the 2022 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Micah Teitz will be reinstalled at weak-side linebacker after missing last year with a groin injury.
In 2021, the former Calgary Dino enjoyed his breakout season in Saskatchewan, leading the team in tackles with 64 and was named the Roughriders Most Outstanding Canadian.
Last year’s injury occurred at a frustrating time for Teitz, but he is ready to move on from the experience.
” I made my peace for missing the whole year.”
He continued, “I don’t want to look to far back on that one.”
With training camp and two preseason games now out of the way, the Canadian linebacker is prepared for the upcoming regular season.
“Everything’s gone according to plan so far.”
He added, “I got to do a little bit more maintenance than I did in the past and take care of myself a bit more and you know, as we keep moving forward, I feel like I’ll be getting stronger as the season goes on.”
Last year, with Teitz out of the lineup, Larry Dean shifted over to weak-side linebacker and Darnell Sankey was the team’s middle linebacker. The Roughriders dynamic duo at linebacker would become the second pair of teammates in Canadian Football League(CFL) history to record 100+ tackles in the same season.
Sankey has since moved on to the XFL’s Arlington Renegades, leaving Dean to move back to middle linebacker and Teitz sliding back to the weak-side.
Despite being teammates for over two seasons now, Sunday will be the first Dean and Teitz will be the Roughriders linebacking duo on the field. Even though they haven’t spent much time on the field together, the Calgary native said the two have already developed a special rapport.
“That’s my partner right there, I mean, we do good work out there, we’re just looking to, you know, put on a good show for everybody on Sunday.”
Teitz said he was more ready to provide the 34-year-old with a soundboard when the veteran made the temporary shift in 2022.
“We’d always bounce ideas off of each other, he has strengths that are bit better than mine and I got strengths as well. We always try to bounce information off each other.”
Just like Dean, Teitz will now try continue his comeback story when he steps on to the field Sunday at Commonwealth Stadium, when the Roughriders open up the season against the Edmonton Elks.
“Oh, I’m back,” proclaimed the 27-year-old.
“This is my first official game so I’ll take this as my first one back.”
620 CKRM will have full coverage of Sunday’s season opener in Edmonton between the Roughriders and the Elks. The opening kickoff is at 5:00.
