Ticats receiver Andy Fantuz set to return ‘in a week or so’

Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Andy Fantuz is on the verge of returning to the field as a player according to head coach June Jones.

“It’s not this week but maybe in a week or so,” Jones said Wednesday. “He’s running full speed but he hasn’t had any contact or anybody around him yet but he’s looking pretty good.”

Fantuz was enjoying a spectacular 2016 campaign when he tore his ACL while cutting on a pass pattern during a loss to Edmonton on Oct. 28. With 101 receptions through 17 games he had shattered his own personal high (87, set in 2010) and had reached the 1,000-yard mark (1,059) for just the second time in his 11-year career. He was the first Ticat receiver to record 100 or more receptions, breaking the club mark of 98 co-held by Darren Flutie.

The 33-year-old Fantuz has been serving as a Ticat assistant coach while rehabbing his injury.