The Calgary Stampeders will be without their top Canadian receiver when they take on the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday.
Luther Hakunavanhu has been placed on the one-game injured list with an ankle injury for the second time this season. The six-foot-four, 209-pound target returned last week and led the Stamps in receiving, catching five passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 CFL Draft after an unheralded collegiate stint at York University, Hakunavanhu has played in 23 career games and hauled in 44 receptions for 699 yards and six touchdowns. In the absence of the injured Jalen Philpot, he has emerged as Calgary’s top homegrown target this season with his 10 catches for 168 yards through four games putting him on pace for new career highs.
2023 first-round pick Cole Tucker, who has five catches for 60 yards this season, will assume the starting spot, while veteran depth receiver and special teamer Tyson Middlemost also draws into the lineup.
The remainder of Calgary’s roster remains virtually unchanged, save for a change on special teams. Canadian linebacker Brad Cowan has been placed on the practice roster, while Global defensive back Bailey Devine-Scott makes his first appearance of the season. The 23-year-old Aussie dressed for three games in 2022, registering two defensive tackles and two special teams tackles.
A pair of Canadian defenders remain on the one-game injured list in defensive lineman Elliott Graham (shoulder) and defensive back Nick Statz (head), while receiver Colton Hunchak is a healthy scratch. Offensive lineman Josh Coker (ankle), and defensive backs Demetri Royer (ankle) and Nick Taylor (hamstring) all practiced this week and could return from the six-game injured list in Week 8.
The Stampeders (2-3) will host the Redblacks (2-3) on Sunday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point favourites.
