Speedy recovery: Keon Hatcher, T.J. Lee return to practice with B.C. Lions

Keon Hatcher and T.J. Lee returned to practice with the B.C. Lions on Wednesday, appearing far ahead of schedule in their return from injury.

Both players suffered Achilles injuries during last year’s West Final, which typically take nine to twelve months to fully heal. Now, just shy of eight months after the injuries took place, they appears ready to return to the lineup in the near future.

Hatcher made a long-term commitment to the Lions this past off-season, signing a three-year contract extension. He made 78 receptions for 1,266 yards and six touchdowns over 14 regular season games in 2023 and was named a CFL all-star. The six-foot-one, 212-pound target has made 165 catches for 2,483 yards and 13 touchdowns over 42 career games in Vancouver.

Lee has been with the Lions since 2014, recording 523 defensive tackles, 34 special teams tackles, 26 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and five sacks over 127 career games. He is a two-time CFL all-star and five-time West Division all-star.

Both players remain on the six-game injured list, though players under that designation can return to practice after missing four games.

The B.C. Lions (3-1) will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-4) on Sunday, July 7 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.

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