“I feel good.”

That was the message from Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver KeeSean Johnson after he returned to the practice field on Wednesday — albeit on a limited basis — as the team prepares for Saturday’s Western Final against the B.C. Lions (5:30 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).

Johnson, who missed the Roughriders’ final two regular-season games because of a knee injury, had not practised on Tuesday.

“We’re sticking to the plan we had for him — to get him out moving just a little bit more than he had been,” Head Coach Corey Mace said.

“We’ll continue tomorrow. Walk-through day (Friday) might look a little bit different for him and then ultimately we’ll make the decision.”

Mace added that “everything is trending in the right direction” for everyone, Johnson included, who has been battling injuries of late.

But nothing will be certain until at least Friday, when the roster will be announced. Even then, there is the possibility of a player being listed as a game-time decision and definitive word therefore being deferred until Saturday.

For now, it is a matter of making steady process, as exhibited by Johnson on Wednesday.

“I felt good putting in the work on and off the field,” he said. “That’s what comes with the sport. We’ve just got to keep going.”

Accolades are also part of the equation. On Wednesday, Johnson was named to the All-CFL team.

“It feels good,” he said. “It’s one of the goals you put in at the beginning of the year. It shows that the work you put in during the off-season is somewhat paying off, but the ultimate goal is to win as a team.”

He was recognized after catching 86 passes for 1,159 yards and four touchdowns. With 39 second-down receptions, he led the loop in that category.

Johnson’s roommate, Dohnte Meyers, was a divisional All-CFL pick after catching 65 passes for 1,056 yards and eight TDs in 15 games.

“For him to get the recognition, and for all the guys, we use it as motivation,” Johnson said.

“We want all our guys to do well. It’s not a one-guy thing. It’s a whole room.”

Meyers was a full participant in practice for the second straight day after missing the final three regular-season games with an ankle injury.

Defensive halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. (foot/knee) was a full participant on Wednesday, one day after being listed as limited. Milligan Jr., the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2024, missed this year’s final three regular-season games.

Defensive lineman Shane Ray (neck), running back Mario Anderson Jr. (knee) and receiver Ajou Ajou (ankle) did not practise for the second day in a row.

There was, however, a considerably longer list of back-to-back full participants: Meyers, quarterback Tommy Stevens (knee), receivers Samuel Emilus (load management) and Joe Robustelli (knee), defensive backs Jaxon Ford (knee), C.J. Reavis (load management) and Marcus Sayles (ankle), offensive linemen Zack Fry (knee), Philippe Gagnon (head) and Trevon Tate (shoulder), defensive lineman Mike Rose (load management), linebacker Nick Wiebe (back) and kicker Brett Lauther (back).

Ultimately, there will be more talented players than the active roster can accommodate.

“Truthfully, it’s always tough to let somebody know that maybe they might not be going into a game like this,” Mace said.

“When we’re in a situation where there’s so many good options, it’s going to be tough, regardless. But on the plus side of that, you know you’ve got a lot of players to choose from who you know can help the team.

“It’s always tough, but I’m happy it’s this kind of tough.”

STAR STRUCK

With nine All-CFL selections, the Roughriders celebrated the most in franchise history. The previous high of seven dates back to 1967.

Defensive tackle Micah Johnson was recognized for the fifth time in an illustrious career. He first earned All-CFL honours with the Calgary Stampeders (2016, 2017, 2018) before being a back-to-back winner with Saskatchewan.

Offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick made the select squad for the third time. With the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he was an All-CFL choice in 2021 and 2023.

Milligan Jr., Reavis and centre Logan Ferland represented Saskatchewan on the All-CFL team for the second successive season.

KeeSean Johnson, right guard Jacob Brammer, cornerback Tevaughn Campbell and linebacker Jameer Thurman are first time All-CFLers.

Ferland, the All-CFL right guard in 2024, is only the second Roughrider to be recognized at a different position from one year to the next. Al Benecick earned mention as a tackle in 1964 before being an all-star guard in 1965 and 1966.

Ferland carries on a tradition of excellence at centre. Dating back to 1962, a Roughrider has been the All-CFL centre 21.6 per cent of the time.

Saskatchewan’s previous All-CFL centres were Neil Habig (1962), Ted Urness (1965 to 1970), Mike Anderson (1994), Jeremy O’Day (2006, 2007, 2009) and Dan Clark (2019).

Thurman is just the fourth Roughriders middle linebacker to be chosen, following Wally Dempsey (1968), Ron Goetz (1994) and Maurice Lloyd (2008).

Hardrick is the second American tackle to receive All-CFL laurels as a Roughrider. Clyde Brock made the list in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.

Milligan Jr. is one of seven Saskatchewan defensive backs to have been recognized at least twice in a row. He follows Lorne Richardson (1973 to 1976), Glen Suitor (1991 to 1993), Omarr Morgan (2002, 2003), Eddie Davis (2004 to 2006), Tyron Brackenridge (2013, 2014) and Ed Gainey (2017, 2018).

Saskatchewan also tied a league record for the most offensive linemen on one All-CFL team (three).

The Roughriders’ previous hat tricks were in 1966, 1967 and 1969.

The Montreal Alouettes had three O-linemen named to the dream team in 1975, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2012. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers dominated the O-line voting in 1972, 1984, 1985 and, with Hardrick on board, 2021. Three Toronto Argonauts offensive linemen made the cut in 2023.