For C.J. Reavis, the toughest part about football — a gruelling game — is not playing.
A knee injury that landed him on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ six-game injured list (at least for a fraction of that period) wasn’t nearly as painful as sitting out Saturday’s 29-16 CFL victory over the visiting Ottawa REDBLACKS.
“For him not to play last week, I know it crushed his soul,” Head Coach Corey Mace said after Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
“To have him back out, just with the energy that he plays with and provides for the defence, you love it.”
This, too, is something to celebrate: The 28-year-old strong-side linebacker is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday against the host Edmonton Elks (5 p.m., TSN, CKRM) after being sidelined for only one week.
How does he explain the recuperative powers that could be described as, say, super-human?
“God is the biggest super-human,” Reavis replied. “God just loves me a lot.
“I pray a lot and I talk to God a lot. That’s all I can say about that.”
Reavis’s play speaks volumes about his importance to the Roughriders.
In 14 games this season, he has registered a team-high 70 defensive tackles (three for a loss) to go with four sacks, two pass knockdowns and a fumble recovery.
Reavis, who is eighth in the league in defensive tackles, would likely be a notch or two higher if not for the injury he sustained in a 37-29 road victory over the Calgary Stampeders on Sept. 20.
“I always feel like I won’t be out too long — even when I probably would be out too long (with less of a pain threshold),” he said.
“I feel like my optimism and my trust in the Lord and in my work help me, too. I try to eat well and do the right things to make sure my body is working right.
“All those things pull together.”
Reavis also marshalled all his resources after suffering two Achilles tendon injuries in a six-month span.
The second such setback occurred on Oct. 29, 2022, in the Roughriders’ regular-season finale.
He recovered in time to enjoy a breakout season in 2023, recording 59 defensive tackles (five for a loss), three sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one pass knockdown in 17 games.
“My passion for the game is crazy,” he said. “I love the game. It’s all I ever wanted to do.
“I’m living my childhood dream right now. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Once upon a time, he asked for a jersey.
“My first Christmas gift was a Washington Commanders uniform,” he recalled with a smile. “Ever since then, my parents and my family were all about ball.
“I think it gave me a little release, too, from life.”
After starring at Thomas Dale High School, Reavis went on to play in the NCAA ranks at Virginia Tech and Marshall.
In May of 2018, he took the next step — to the NFL.
No, it wasn’t in a Commanders uniform. Signed by Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent, he played in four regular-season games with the Jaguars as a rookie.
“I feel like I’ve always had a big panoramic view of my life,” Reavis said. “Even as a kid, I would always say to my parents, ‘I’m going to buy you this. I’m going to buy you the big house.’
“I’ve always thought I could change people’s lives with football. I’ve still got that same view today.”
Change is an unavoidable part of a football career, despite its many perks.
In 2019, he spent time with Jacksonville and Atlanta before being released by the Falcons in mid-August of 2020.
Reavis returned to the professional football ranks on April 1, 2022, when he signed with the Roughriders. After a standout 2023 campaign, he signed an extension that carries through next season.
“I still feel like I’ve got a long way to go, but it’s a blessing to be here every day,” Reavis said. “I love coming to work. I love coming to practice. I love coming to play.
“This team feels like a family. It feels like a college team. On most pro teams, it doesn’t feel like that, honestly, but we’ve just got that feel over here.
“We’re all like one big family.”
PERSONNEL UPDATE
Reavis, who did not practise on Tuesday, was a full participant in the Wednesday and Thursday workouts. According to the Roughriders’ most-recent injury report, he is listed as available for the game in Edmonton.
The same designation applies to defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. (illness), punter Adam Korsak (hamstring) and linebacker Justin Herdman-Reed (elbow).
Running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) and receiver Mitch Picton (ankle) were limited participants in all three practices this week. They are listed as out for Saturday.
Also out: Running back Ryquell Armstead (shoulder), receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (knee) and offensive lineman Jacob Brammer (knee).
Defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado (knee) is questionable. He did not practise on Tuesday or Wednesday before being a full participant on Thursday.
Additionally, cornerback Deontai Williams will not play on Saturday after receiving a one-game, league-issued suspension arising from a forceful hit delivered to Ottawa receiver Kalil Pimpleton late in last week’s game.
