The Calgary Stampeders have officially placed defensive end James Vaughters on the six-game injured list ahead of their clash with the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, as the team continues to be plagued by injuries.
Vaughters went down last week with an undisclosed arm injury and is expected to be out for the foreseeable future. In six games this season since returning from a four-year NFL stint, the 30-year-old had amassed 17 tackles and five sacks.
The Stampeders executed a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats earlier this week in the hopes of acquiring veteran Ja’Gared Davis to replace the injured pass rusher. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old failed his physical upon arrival in Calgary due to a torn meniscus and the move was voided.
Joining the six-game injured list this week alongside Vaughters are defensive backs Natrell Jamerson (shoulder), Tae Daley (ankle), and Bailey Devine-Scott (hamstring). Also missing on the one-game injured list are star cornerback Tre Roberson (head), versatile defensive back Darius Williams (hamstring), and receiver Cole Tucker (foot).
As a result of the injuries, Calgary will have three new defensive starters. Mike Moore will take over at defensive end for Vaughters, while the recently re-signed Brad Muhammad draws in at halfback. Veteran Nick Taylor will start at cornerback after being activated off the six-game injured list.
Veteran safety Branden Dozier is also slated to return after a one-game absence. He will be joined by depth defenders Nick Statz, Brad Cowan, and Perry Young.
On the offensive side of the ball, right tackle Josh Coker will make his first start of the season after missing the start of the year with an ankle injury. He will bump D’Antne Demery back to the practice roster, while Canadian receiver Luther Hakunavanhu will also return to his starting wide-out spot.
The Stampeders (2-4) are scheduled to visit the Alouettes (2-3) on Sunday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point underdogs.
