The Calgary Stampeders are getting healthy on defence in time for their clash with Ottawa on Friday.
Defensive end Julian Howsare will return to action after missing last week’s victory over B.C. with a quad injury. The 31-year-old veteran has amassed 27 career sacks in 73 CFL games but has yet to notch one this year.
Also finally back in the lineup after being scratched as a game-time decision last week is boundary cornerback Demerio Houston, who joined the Stampeders in free agency after leading the CFL in interceptions last year. Rookie first-round pick Ben Labrosse will also return to the secondary in a depth capacity.
The moves will knock defensive back Tyler Richardson and defensive end Hamilcar Rashed Jr. back to the practice roster. Veteran Canadian defensive back Nick Statz (groin) has been placed on the six-game injured list.
Also headed to the six-game injured list is receiver and returner Erik Brooks following a gruesome arm injury last week. Cam Echols, who caught nine passes for 101 yards and a touchdown over the first three games of the season, will start in his place while running back Peyton Logan handles return duties.
Canadian receiver Clark Barnes (shoulder) has been listed as a game-time decision. The second-year standout is second on the team in receiving through six weeks with 20 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Tyson Middlemost and Cole Tucker are the two backup Canadian receivers that could replace him.
The Calgary Stampeders (3-3) will visit the Ottawa Redblacks (4-2) on Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
