The Calgary Stampeders will have one of the best offensive linemen in Canadian football back in the lineup for the Labour Day Classic.
Veteran centre Sean McEwen is ready to return after nursing a hand injury the last two weeks. The six-foot-three, 299-pound blocker has dressed for 124 career games and made 119 starts with Toronto and Calgary, including nine this season at centre. He is a four-time division all-star and three-time CFL all-star.
While the interior of the offensive line will receive a boost, the Stamps were forced to put left tackle D’Antne Demery (hand) on the one-game injured list. Rookie Eric Smith will step in for him as he did earlier in the season, but may not be the only change on the left side of the line. Guard Bryce Bell (calf) is listed as a game-time decision, with Rodeem Brown and Kyle Saxelid being the next two men on the depth chart.
Elsewhere, the Stampeders have cycled through a number of changes to the backend of their roster and should look dramatically different on special teams with the return of veteran Canadian linebacker Adam Konar, homegrown receiver Tyson Middlemost, and Global defensive back Bailey Devine-Scott. The pass rush rotation will also see the addition of defensive tackles Charles Wiley and Kail Dava, the latter of whom will be making his first appearance after being poached from the B.C. Lions’ practice squad.
Getting knocked down to the practice roster to accommodate the changes are Canadian receiver Rysen John, American defensive back Kenyon Reed, and Global fullback Ron Tiavaasue. Canadian defensive ends Elliott Graham and George Idoko will be healthy scratches, while defensive tackle Kwadwo Boahen (back) was placed on the six-game injured list.
The Calgary Stampeders (4-6) will visit the Edmonton Elks (3-8) for the annual Labour Day Classic on Monday, September 2 at 6:00 p.m. EDT.
