The Calgary Stampeders will debut one of their most highly anticipated offseason signees on Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, activating American receiver Tommylee Lewis from their practice roster.
Lewis joined the team in January after having been on their negotiation list for nearly seven years — an unusually long time for a non-quarterback. However, the 30-year-old battled a hamstring injury in training camp and was unable to play in preseason, beginning the year on the practice squad.
The five-foot-seven, 168-pound pass catcher originally signed with the New Orleans Saints after going unselected in the 2016 NFL Draft. He dressed for 39 games over four seasons with the team, recording 21 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns, nine carries for 49 yards, 45 punt returns for 404 yards, and 27 kickoff returns for 617 yards.
The 30-year-old joined the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2021 and played two games with the team, making one reception for seven yards, three punt returns for four yards, and one kickoff return for 23 yards. He was also a member of the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, though he never dressed for either team in a regular season game.
Lewis is listed as a backup behind recent NFL returnee Marken Michel and is expected to see time as a returner, with Floyd Allen returned to the practice roster.
Adding to a revitalized receiving corps will be the return of starting Canadian wide-out Luther Hakunavanhu after a one-week absence with a hip injury. 2023 first-round pick Cole Tucker also returns in a backup capacity, while Colton Hunchak has been placed back on the practice roster.
Left tackle Hugh Thornton (foot) has been placed on the six-game injured list, as has cornerback Julian Charles (shoulder). D’Antne Demery will take over on Jake Maier’s blindside, while Natrell Jamerson will guard the fieldside of the defence.
Canadian defensive lineman Elliott Graham (shoulder) and defensive back Nick Statz (head) are both on the one-game injured list, prompting the insertion of defensive lineman Kelon Thomas into the lineup.
The Stampeders (1-3) will visit the Riders (3-1) on Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point underdogs.
