REGINA — Andy Fantuz has returned to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The all-star slotback tweeted that he would attend the CFL team’s practice Wednesday, effectively putting his NFL aspirations on hold.
“Well back to practice today... Feels good to be playing some football!” Fantuz said on his Twitter account.
The Riders later confirmed that Fantuz had officially reported to the team.
The native of Chatham, Ont., was the CFL’s outstanding Canadian last year after registering a league-high 1,380 yards receiving before signing as an option-year player with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
The six-foot-four, 221-pound Fantuz was among Chicago’s final cuts but still had a 10-day period during which he could have signed with another NFL club.
However, by reporting to practice Fantuz will commit to the Riders for the remainder of the season.
Fantuz’s return is certainly good news for the Riders (2-7), who are coming off an impressive 27-7 home win over Winnipeg on Sunday, a game Fantuz watched from the sidelines.
Fantuz was expected to undergo a physical before practising.
The Riders will face the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Saturday to complete the home-and-home series.
Also Wednesday, the Riders transferred kicker Eddie Johnson to the nine-game injured list and added kicker Jamie Boreham to the roster.
Wide receiver Aaron Fairooz and defensive back Elliott Richardson were released. Defensive back Graig Newman left the Riders to return to the Saskatoon Hilltops of the Canadian Junior Football League.