Andy Fantuz, left, and Weston Dressler at the Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp in Regina on Monday.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post
REGINA — It was like old times Monday at the Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp.
Those feelings of nostalgia were produced when Andy Fantuz and Weston Dressler were seen running and stretching together at Mosaic Stadium. It's the first time the star receivers were on the field together since Oct. 10, 2009, when Dressler suffered a broken right fibula and severely sprained ankle in the Riders' 32-22 victory over the visiting Toronto Argonauts.
Those feelings of nostalgia were produced when Andy Fantuz and Weston Dressler were seen running and stretching together at Mosaic Stadium. It's the first time the star receivers were on the field together since Oct. 10, 2009, when Dressler suffered a broken right fibula and severely sprained ankle in the Riders' 32-22 victory over the visiting Toronto Argonauts.
The injury ended Dressler's season despite speculation that he might return for the CFL playoffs. Fantuz played through the remaining four regular-season games and helped the Riders reach the 2009 Grey Cup game. Monday's reunion was unexpected because it was suggested that the Riders had planned on keeping Dressler out of the first week of training camp while he continued his rehabilitation.
"For me it feels later than expected because I wasn't out here (Sunday),'' Dressler said after taking part in each drill Monday. "Everything went well and I was able to do everything that I wanted to. I hadn't been able to do anything at full speed like that since the injury. We'll get some ice on it and see what it feels like tomorrow.''
Dressler said he needed Sunday off after pushing his rehabilitation on Saturday.
"Unfortunately we did something that forced me to take a day off,'' said Dressler, who was the CFL's rookie-of-the-year in 2008.
"Unfortunately we did something that forced me to take a day off,'' said Dressler, who was the CFL's rookie-of-the-year in 2008.
That could mean another day off today for Dressler as he tries to regain his playing form.
"I haven't pushed it this hard all off-season,'' said Dressler, who was named a 2009 West Division all-star after finishing the season with 62 receptions for 941 yards and four touchdowns over 14 games. "I don't know how it will respond. Hopefully it's a little sore like after a normal day of rehab and I can push it again.''
"I haven't pushed it this hard all off-season,'' said Dressler, who was named a 2009 West Division all-star after finishing the season with 62 receptions for 941 yards and four touchdowns over 14 games. "I don't know how it will respond. Hopefully it's a little sore like after a normal day of rehab and I can push it again.''
It was the health of Fantuz during the previous two seasons that may have led to Monday's on-field reunion. Fantuz was to be eligible to file for free agency but elected to re-sign with the Riders in October under the stipulation that he was allowed to see if any NFL teams were interested in him. The 26-year-old slotback remained with the Riders when that didn't take place.
"It was just the fact that I had two seasons in a row where I missed some games with injuries,'' Fantuz said when asked about the lack of interest by NFL squads. "It's more of a question of trying to be productive and staying healthy.''
In 2008, Fantuz missed 11 regular-season games with a broken left fibula. He still finished with 36 receptions for 488 yards and three touchdowns.
Last year, Fantuz was sidelined for five games with a torn hamstring. He recovered to appear in 13 regular-season games, the West Division final and the Grey Cup game. Fantuz had 67 receptions for 882 yards and scored four touchdowns in the regular season. In the playoffs, Fantuz had 10 receptions for 156 yards and recorded two touchdowns.
Fantuz, who is heading into his fifth season with the Riders, is aware that approximately 20 CFLers signed with NFL teams during the off-season. That list included Riders defensive ends John Chick (Indianapolis Colts) and Stevie Baggs (Arizona Cardinals) and middle linebacker Rey Williams (Pittsburgh Steelers).
Jordan Sisco, the Riders' second pick (eighth overall) in the 2010 CFL draft, also signed with the Colts during the off-season. Fantuz didn't know that the Regina native and University of Regina Rams slotback had signed with the Colts straight out of university but he was pleased that a CIS player has the opportunity to play in the NFL.
"That's good for him and I'm glad to see more Canadians get the chance,'' said Fantuz, who was the Hec Crighton Award winner as the top CIS player in 2005. "It's great for Canadian football and CIS across the country. It's good to have guys who have the ability to play in the NFL to come out.''
Fantuz signed for a year and an option with the Riders. That means he has another opportunity to impress NFL teams with a strong regular season. Then he can see what the off-season brings in terms of chances.
"I just have to keep working hard and doing everything that I can to make sure that I'm in good shape and that my body is healthy,'' said Fantuz. "I'm not really thinking about that right now. That's stuff to worry about at the end of November after we hoist the Grey Cup.''
The Riders' main training camp continues today at Mosaic Stadium.Read more:
The Riders' main training camp continues today at Mosaic Stadium.Read more:
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