A tappet assembly for use in translating force between a camshaft lobe and a fuel pump assembly via reciprocal movement within a tappet cylinder having a guide slot. The tappet assembly comprises a tappet body defining a pair of apertures and at least one seat, and a follower assembly. The follower assembly has a shaft, a first bearing, and a second bearing, each supported on the shaft for engaging the camshaft lobe. An intermediate element is further supported on the shaft between the first and second bearings and has a platform for engaging the fuel pump assembly. The intermediate element is at least partially disposed in the at least one seat of the tappet body and the shaft is disposed in the pair of apertures of the tappet body.