The Calgary Stampeders have made a whopping seven roster changes ahead of their matchup with the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, including one massive surprise.
Starting running back Dedrick Mills has stepped away from the team for personal reasons, head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson revealed to the media during Saturday’s walkthrough. The 27-year-old was absent from practice on Friday and later had a meeting with Dickenson to discuss his future, though no public explanation was given for the departure.
“He’s stepping away from the team at the moment to take care of some stuff. Not ideal but as a team, we’ve got to move forward,” Dickenson said.
“Yeah, it’s tough [to adjust to it] but everybody wants to play. Everybody is excited for their opportunity. Little bit unforeseen, for sure, but we’ll try to help him and see where life takes him. Other than that, it’s probably best to just keep it at that.”
Mills took over as the feature back for the Stampeders this season after the organization moved on from Ka’Deem Carey in free agency. He has carried 78 times for 406 yards through six games this year, adding 20 catches for 234 yards through the air.
In 27 games over three seasons, the Nebraska product has run the ball 287 times for 1,667 yards and six touchdowns, while posting 54 receptions for another 462 yards through the air.
Peyton Logan, who has amassed 619 rushing yards over three seasons, will serve as the team’s lone running back this week. Receiver Ishmael Hyman will also dress, presumably to take over return duties from Logan.
Also affecting the run game will be the loss of right guard Zack Williams (calf), who has been placed on the six-game injured list. Rookie first-round pick Christy Nkanu will make his first career start in that spot, while left tackle D’Antne Demery has recovered from a toe injury and will bump Eric Smith back to the practice roster.
On the positive side, Canadian receiver Clark Barnes will return to the starting lineup after being a late scratch last week, returning Rysen John to the practice squad. The Guelph product has 20 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns this year.
Defensively, rookie Kenyon Reed will get the start at field-side halfback following the release of Rodney Randle Jr. this week. Rookie first-round pick Ben Labrosse (ankle) has been placed on the one-game injured list after getting the nod last week.
American defensive tackle Charles Wiley will be a healthy scratch this week, making way for Canadian rookie Justin Sambu to make his CFL debut. Core special teamers Darius Williams and Kelon Thomas will also return to the lineup.
The Calgary Stampeders (3-4) will host the Toronto Argonauts (4-3) on Sunday, August 4 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
