Shawn Bane Jr. is returning as a returner.
The third-year Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver is “absolutely salivating” at the thought of making his 2025 season debut when the Edmonton Elks provide the opposition on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.
It will be the first game in nearly a calendar year for Bane Jr., who suffered a knee injury against the visiting Ottawa REDBLACKS on Sept. 28, 2024.
Principally a receiver during his time with the Green and White, Bane Jr. will concentrate on return duties in the looming game.
“I’m super-excited,” he said. “I’m just ready when my number is called. They kind of told me early this week that it was a possibility.
“It’s kind of how I started my career in Calgary — punt returner, kickoff returner — and then I slowly worked my way back into the receiving lineup, so I guess it’s full circle.”
Bane Jr. spent his first two CFL seasons with the Calgary Stampeders before signing with Saskatchewan as a free agent on Feb. 14, 2023.
It proved to be an inspired signing, as Bane Jr. caught 93 passes — the Roughriders’ eighth-best single-season total — for 1,104 yards in Year 1 with Saskatchewan.
Year 2 was highlighted by one of the best opening-day performances in franchise history.
He tied a team single-game record by catching three touchdown passes, thereby helping Saskatchewan win 29-21 in Edmonton on June 8, 2024.
Saturday’s game will be Bane Jr.’s first in the Alberta capital since he produced the Roughriders’ 20th three-TD-catch game (see complete list below).
“I remember my last time there!” he said. “It’s funny, because I was thinking about that: ‘My first game is going to be against Edmonton.’
“Who knows? It could potentially be (a good omen). I’m staying open to it. I’m just trying to be as explosive as I can be and just show myself and the team and the world that I still have it.
“It was just a minor setback that propelled me forward.”
In keeping with Bane Jr.’s ever-upbeat demeanor, a season-ending knee injury that sidelined him for nearly a year is referenced as “just a minor setback.”
It was also a major departure from the norm.
“The last injury that put me out was in 2016 — nine years ago,” noted Bane Jr., a member of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats from 2015 to 2018.
“I’m just thankful that (the 2024 injury) wasn’t under my own strength and it wasn’t a non-contact injury. This was a contact injury, so I’m thankful for that.
“But it has been a long journey. I’ve been learning about myself, just as a man, as a son, as a leader. It has been a ride.
“I’ve been trying to stay in tune with my emotions and not be too emotional when I’m like, ‘You know, I can play,’ and they’re like, ‘Ahhh, we’re going to sit you again.’
“Overall, I’m just thankful for the opportunity. I just want to be a good teammate, a good player, and make plays.”
After immersing himself in an off-season full of rehabilitation, Bane Jr. did his utmost to support his teammates during training camp and the pre-season before returning to the practice field — in a limited fashion, for starters — in early July.
He soon became a full participant in practice and, by late August, felt he was ready for game duty.
However, the performance of the Roughriders’ receiving corps — which has included as many as three starting Canadians — made it difficult to incorporate even a player of Bane Jr.’s considerable talents into the lineup.
He was activated on Friday when veteran returner Mario Alford was placed on the one-game injured list.
Bane Jr. has extensive experience as a returner, having kept busy in that capacity at Northwest Missouri State and with Calgary.
“I’ve always been a punt returner/kick returner and then a receiver,” he said. “I’m excited to be dangerous.”
And to be engaged!
Bane Jr. proposed to Michelle while the couple visited Niagara Falls during the recent bye week. She quickly said yes.
When the Roughriders resumed practising, Bane Jr. was advised that he could very well return to the playing field in a few days’ time.
Not a bad week, you might say.
“I guess God has a funny way of telling His story,” he said. “It has been a ton of good news.”
Bane Jr.’s engagement took place on the second anniversary of his first two-touchdown game in the CFL. He caught two TD passes against Edmonton on Sept. 15, 2023 at Mosaic Stadium.
When he next opposed the Elks, he added three more majors to the career total.
With Edmonton providing the opposition once more, could we expect another hat trick?
Perhaps, an inquiring scribe proposed, the next three-TD eruption at Commonwealth Stadium could result from an even distribution — one TD on a punt return, another on a kickoff return, and a third on a missed field goal.
“That would be cool!” Bane Jr. said with a laugh. “That sounds like history. The last time I was there, it was history, so if I can do it again, that would be insane.
“I’m just staying open to all the avenues and just trusting the people who are on the team. I’m glad that they’re putting the trust in me that I can handle the ball and make a play.”
MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS BY A ROUGHRIDER IN ONE GAME
3 — Jack Hill at B.C., Sept. 29, 1958
3 — Bob Renn vs. Calgary, Sept. 26, 1960
3 — Hugh Campbell vs. Winnipeg, Aug. 7, 1964
3 — Hugh Campbell at Edmonton, Aug. 28, 1964
3 — Hugh Campbell at Edmonton, July 29, 1966
3 — Hugh Campbell vs. Winnipeg, Aug. 7, 1966
3 — Hugh Campbell vs. Montreal, Sept. 5, 1966
3 — Tom Campana at Montreal, Sept. 16, 1973
3 — Rhett Dawson vs. B.C., Sept. 28, 1975
3 — Joey Walters at Edmonton, Aug. 30, 1981
3 — Joey Walters vs. Edmonton, Oct. 18, 1981
3 — Ray Elgaard at B.C., Sept. 16, 1988
3 — Jeff Fairholm at B.C., Sept. 21, 1991
3 — Don Narcisse at Winnipeg, Sept. 13, 1998
3 — Curtis Marsh vs. Calgary, July 28, 2000 (OT)
3 — Curtis Marsh vs. Toronto, July 28, 2001
3 — Andy Fantuz at Hamilton, Oct. 14, 2007
3 — Weston Dressler at Hamilton, June 29, 2012
3 — Samuel Emilus vs. Winnipeg, June 16, 2023
3 — Shawn Bane Jr. at Edmonton, June 8, 2024
