The Calgary Stampeders will be dealing with some inexperience along the offensive line when they take to the field in the West Semi-Final.
Rookie William Barnes will make his CFL debut and first professional start at right tackle this week due to a rash of injuries at the position. Starter Joshua Coker remains out due to a knee injury, and rookie fill-in Preston Nichols, who has performed admirably in six starts this season, has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
While pressure off the right side could pose a problem, quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. will have one of his best weapons back in the fold in the form of Canadian receiver Jalen Philpot. The 25-year-old rested last week with a knee issue, but has had a career year thus far, posting 61 receptions for 830 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the Stampeders will also be revitalized. Rookie standouts Sheldon Arnold and Anthony Johnson are set to return to boundary halfback and cornerback, respectively, while veteran defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin IV also re-enters the rotation. One player who remains unavailable is all-star safety Damon Webb, with Global Bailey Devine-Scott continuing to fill in for him and Canadian Jackson Sombach dressing as insurance.
Defensive back Lance Robinson (shoulder) and defensive lineman Daniel Joseh (head) will both sit out this week, while defensive back Brady Breeze and receiver Kaylon Horton are healthy scratches. Canadian receiver Vyshonne Janusas has also been returned to the practice roster.
The Calgary Stampeders (11-7) will visit the B.C. Lions (11-7) in the West Semi-Final at BC Place Stadium on Saturday, November 1, with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders won their final three games of the regular season, including a 20-10 victory over the Edmonton Elks, while the Lions knocked off the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week to finish second in the West Division standings.
The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary and 730 CKNW in Vancouver.
Graphic courtesy: Calgary Stampeders
