Marcus Thigpen returns to Riders lineup after serving drug suspension

Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Marcus Thigpen is set to resume game action with his two-game PED penalty behind him.

The positive (Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone) sample was collected during an in-competition test last November. The Riders signed Thigpen as a free agent last September and extended his contract through the 2018 season just before the 2017 playoffs.

The 32-year-old had seven carries for 32 yards and one touchdown, two catches for 31 yards and one touchdown, three punt returns for 77 yards and one kick-off return for 53 yards in two regular-season games last year. Thigpen rushed 15 times for 169 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run, in the Riders East semi-final victory.

Adding Thigpen to the roster gives Saskatchewan a versatile playmaker.

“He’s able to return, he’s able to play receiver, he’s able to play running back, he’s tough, adds a lot to our specials teams, so he’s a dangerous player,” Jones said.

“He’s probably one of the top five fastest guys in the league, he can really run.”