Dave Dickenson thinks Reggie Begelton is ‘OK’ following fourth quarter collision

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Calgary Stampeders’ head coach Dave Dickenson believes star receiver Reggie Begelton is going to be fine after taking a big hit late in the club’s 33-23 victory over the B.C. Lions on Friday night.

“I talked to him,” said Dickenson via videoconference. “I think he’s OK. I was very concerned when you say neck injuries, so we’ll see what happens. Those types of things are the types of things where maybe you give him extra time but he’s only been here a week and he’s already made a huge impact.”

Begelton was sensational in his first game back from the NFL, making seven receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown and one carry for 21 yards. He laid motionless on the sideline after making a big catch late in the fourth quarter, which was unnerving for fans to watch.

“Truly a blessing to continue to play ball. Feels guuurrrddd,” Begelton tweeted after the game. “It’s a privilege to still play this game. I’m always going to play for my brothers. I refuse to waste my time or anyone else’s time. Especially when I know there are guys that would give their all to be in the position that I am in. Nevertheless, I’m blessed.”

Dickenson was highly complimentary of Begelton’s performance, which was his first since signing back with the Stamps two weeks ago.

“What a great performance. What a guy coming back and showing you what he’s all about and locking in,” he said. “We did have a couple things where we kinda — some formations where we were running around and we weren’t quite sure but that’s the guy we thought he could be and would be. Coming back, what a performance.”

Calgary’s air attack has been lacklustre at times this season with the club releasing veteran Josh Huff this past week. The head coach believes that having playmakers on both sides of the field — Begelton on one side and Kamar Jorden on the other — helped balance the offence.

Dickenson also suggested that Bo Levi Mitchell had his best performance of the season, completing 20-of-26 pass attempts for 264 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. It was the first start for Mitchell this season in which he threw for more than two touchdowns and just his third start without a pick.

John Hodge
John Hodge is a Canadian football reporter based in Winnipeg.