The Calgary Stampeders’ offence will be a considerably leaner-looking unit this week, as several of their biggest weapons will be forced to sit out of Friday’s clash with the Toronto Argonauts.
Star running back Ka’Deem Carey (quad) and receiver/returner Tommylee Lewis (wrist) have both been added to the one-game injured list.
Carey already missed seven games earlier this season with a toe injury, making his return in Week 10. He has carried the ball just 25 times this year for 115 yards but remains one of the league’s most explosive runners. The 30-year-old back was named a CFL all-star in 2022 after rushing for 1,088 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 248 yards.
Lewis made his CFL debut in Week 6 and has seen his offensive role expand, while also excelling on special teams. He has caught 14 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, while fielding 34 punts for 488 yards. The 30-year-old speedster is in his first season north of the border after an extended NFL career.
Dedrick Mills will once again serve as the team’s bell cow back in Carey’s absence, with LeVante Bellamy dressing as his backup. Floyd Allen will take over return duties for Lewis, while also assuming his spot in the starting lineup.
Also missing offensively will be Canadian left tackle Bryce Bell (foot), who has been added to the six-game injured list, and his primary backup Jamal Campbell (healthy scratch). American D’Antne Demery will take over on Jake Maier’s blindside, while Rodeem Brown serves as the sixth man.
Due to the ratio change, receiver Tre Odoms-Dukes has been demoted to the practice roster after catching 44 passes for 494 yards and two touchdowns this year. 2022 first-round CFL Draft pick Cole Tucker returns from a foot injury and will start in a rotation that also includes Luther Hakunavanhu and Tyson Middlemost. Former NFL tight end Rysen John also returns to the lineup but is listed as a fullback, with veteran William Langlais being named a healthy scratch.
The Stampeders (3-7) will visit the Argos (7-1) on Friday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Calgary handed Toronto their only loss of the season in Week 9, although that came after star quarterback Chad Kelly left the game with an ankle injury.
