The Saskatchewan Roughriders have ruled out veteran kicker Brett Lauther with a back injury for the team's Week 18 game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday.
Head coach Corey Mace knows Campbell Fair's opportunity to make his CFL debut in the same city where he played U Sports football is special.
"Pretty sweet. He said he had the same kicking coach as Lewis Ward," Mace added about the University of Ottawa product. "There are a lot of cool things that go into that, ultimately, we're going to make the decision that's best for the roster."
"Ever since I started kicking, I was 16, my goal was to get to the CFL," Fair told voice of the Riders, Dave Thomas. "Especially over the past two years, once I've been in the room but not getting to play, I've definitely been getting eager for it, so it would be a great moment."
Lauther has been struggling in 2025 with a 68.9 field goal percentage. In Saskatchewan's Week 17 game against the Edmonton Elks, the 34-year-old made two-of-four field goals, missing from 50 and 55 yards, in a 27-25 loss. Among CFL kickers, he ranks last in field goal percentage.
Prior to signing with the Riders, Fair spent time with the Elks, who selected him in the sixth round, 51st overall during the 2023 CFL Draft. He also had a stint with the Calgary Stampeders in that same season. Initially, the six-foot, 185-pound athlete played a different sport and then switched to football.
"When I started, I was really bad. I was a soccer player and I couldn't get the soccer form to work," Fair recalled. I was lucky to have a great coach when I first started. He instilled confidence in me and he was huge in getting me to believe that I could get to this point."
According to Fair, it is humbling to hear support he has from Lauther who is a fan of his abilities as a kicker.
"That's huge because that's what I've been wanting to do," Fair said. "It's good to know that a kicker who's done it has a belief in me that I can do the same thing."
Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5:30 p.m. Listen to our comprehensive coverage on 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
