Zack is back: Riders activate Evans from the six-game injured list

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have Regina native Zack Evans healthy and in the lineup for their critical Week 17 matchup against Winnipeg.

Saskie is trying to lock down the No. 1 seed in the West Division. The 29-year-old was added to the six-game injured list due to a hip injury sustained in Saskatchewan’s 24-19 victory over Hamilton during Week 8. Saskatchewan inked Evans to a four-year contract extension last December, which keeps him with the club through 2022.

The 6-foot-4, 295 pound Evans joined the Riders as a territorial junior in 2012 but was taken by the Ottawa Redblacks in the 2013 expansion draft. After four years in Ottawa, Evans signed a one-year, $170,000 deal with the Riders in February 2018.

Evans started all 18 regular-season games in last year, registering 15 defensive tackles and one quarterback sack. He also collected four fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown. In seven CFL seasons, Evans has played n 111 career games, amassing 101 defensive tackles, 24 sacks, five fumble recoveries, scoring two touchdowns, one forced fumble and one interception. He is a two-time Grey Cup champion, winning with the Riders in 2013 and the Redblacks in 2016.

Evans has four tackles and one sack in seven games this season. He is a key piece of a defensive line that has the ability to be dominant.