Veteran kicker Paul McCallum has come out of retirement to rejoin the B.C. Lions.

McCallum retired as a Lion in March.

The 46-year-old played 23 CFL seasons, including 11 with B.C. ('93 -'94, '06-'14). He also participated in 11 playoff games and two Grey Cup appearances (2006, 2011) with the Lions.

"We need to ensure that all areas of our kicking game are competitive with our opponents," Lions general manager/head coach Wally Buono said in a statement. "By bringing in Paul and his playoff production, this is now assured."

B.C. Lions kicker Richie Leone missed two field goal attempts and two converts in Regina on Saturday, a continuation of his season-long struggles. (Mark Taylor/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The Lions desperation is understandable.

Saturday in Regina, kicker Richie Leone missed two converts and two field goal attempts — one from 30 yards and another from 45 yards — continuing his season-long struggles. Leone has missed almost a third of all the field goals he's attempted this year.

Despite the miscues, B.C. still managed a 24 -6 win thanks to the Roughriders being terrible.

While Leone sports a solid 49.3-yard punting average, he has hit 35-of-51 field goal attempts (68.6 per cent) this season.

With one critical regular season game remaining and a home playoff date in the balance — not to mention the payday that goes with it — gambling on an old retired guy might actually be the better bet.

McCallum made all 36 of his previous playoff field-goal attempts for the Lions, including a team-record six-for-six in the club's 2006 Grey Cup win.

"I'm happy to return and do whatever I can to help the club win a championship," said McCallum. "I believe that Richie and I together give the team a very strong kicking combination."

B.C. Lions kicker Paul McCallum holds his award for the CFL Outstanding Special Teams Player Thursday November 24, 2011 in Vancouver. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)

Ironically, it was Leone who made McCallum expendable last year at Lions training camp.

B.C. (11-6) hosts Saskatchewan (5-12) on Saturday and can cement second in the West Division with a win or tie.

The Lions would also secure second if Winnipeg (10-7) lost or registered a tie Friday night against the Ottawa Redblacks (8-8-1), who've clinched first in the East Division.

The Western semifinal is Nov. 13.