CFL all-star DB Richard Leonard to make long-awaited debut for Stamps

Richard Leonard will be making his long-awaited debut with the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday when the B.C. Lions come to town.

The two-time East Division all-star missed the club’s season-opening loss to the Toronto Argonauts last week but will now slot-in at field-side halfback.

The 29-year-old originally signed with Calgary as a free agent in February 2020 but did not appear in a game that year due to the cancellation of the CFL season. He was signed to replace Brandon Smith, who retired following the 2019 season after twelve years with the Stampeders.

Leonard was sensational in three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2017-19), during which he recorded 178 tackles, twelve interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two touchdowns.

Calgary made a few other changes to their roster for Thursday’s game with Branden Dozier replacing an injured Jamar Wall at strong-side linebacker and former J. P. Metras Trophy-winner Andrew Seinet-Spaulding making his professional debut at defensive tackle behind stalwart Derek Wiggan.