The Calgary Stampeders will be without No. 1 receiver Reggie Begelton when they play the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday.
Begelton caught eight passes for 107 yards in the Stampeders’ 26-15 road win over the Ottawa Redblacks June 15. The Stampeders (1-1) put Begelton (rib) on the six-game injury list this week.
It is another setback for the Stampeders, who put All-Star running back Ka’Deem Carey (toe) on the six-game injured list last week.
“In the offseason, you looked at who we felt were going to be guys we could lean on and it’s Reg and Ka’Deem,” Stampeders GM/coach Dave Dickenson said. “You obviously know your quarterback is going to do some things, but those two are perennial All-Stars and guys who have been doing it for years. I don’t know who is going to step up. I’ve heard Sean McEwen step up this week. I feel like that’s a great start and I believe Jake (Maier) will step up. Somebody in the receivers group not only has to make the plays, but keep it together.”
Calgary also will be without defensive back Shaquille St-Lot (hamstring).
The Roughriders (1-1) have injury problems, as well, after a 45-27 home loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers June 16.
Saskatchewan put receiver Juwan Brescacin (shoulder) on the six-game injured list. The Roughriders will also be without running back Frankie Hickson (shoulder), defensive lineman DeMarcus Christmas (knee), defensive back Jayden Dalke (back) and defensive back Rodney Clemons (ankle). Center Peter Godber (illness) is questionable after missing Thursday’s practice.
“You’ve got to have a couple different game plans,” Roughriders coach Craig Dickenson said. “You’ve got to have one for this guy and one if those guys can’t play. We feel like we’re going to be all right.”
Saskatchewan has two players returning to the offensive line.
Jerald Hawkins (personal) is back with the team after being away for a few weeks and appears set to start at left tackle. Colin Kelly will likely start at right tackle after serving a two-game suspension for using a banned substance last year as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“It’s good to have some veterans back,” Craig Dickenson said. “Certainly, experience is the greatest teacher, especially up front.”
–Field Level Media