Crossword Genius

Played back? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defended

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'played' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to competing as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'back?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'back?' could be 'defend' (defending is a kind of backing) and 'defend' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for defended that I've seen before include "Guarded" , "Represented the accused in a lawsuit" , "Protected from harm" , "Tried to justify" , "Protected or supported against attack" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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