Return dates ‘still up in the air’ for injured Stampeders stars Reggie Begelton, Rene Paredes

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Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson still does not have a timeline for the potential return of veteran receiver Reggie Begelton.

The 32-year-old had been practicing in a limited capacity with the team for the past few weeks, as he was eligible to do so after beginning the year on the six-game injured list. He drew praise from Dickenson in his return to individual activities, but that period of participation is now over.

“Back on the (six-game injured list), and he’s working hard. It’s one thing to just be feeling decent; it’s another thing to be able to perform at the level that we’ve all seen Reggie perform,” Dickenson told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s getting back. No one’s going to outwork him — I know that — and he stays positive. He stays connected in the meeting room. As far as when he could potentially return, that’s still up in the air, but he’s working hard.”

Begelton was carted off the field during a Week 2 win over Toronto in 2025 after suffering what was later reported to be a fractured leg. The three-time All-CFL selection had been one of Calgary’s most effective offensive weapons prior to the injury, making 427 catches for 5,660 yards and 28 touchdowns in 88 career games.

The Stampeder played coy with Begelton’s status throughout training camp, but quietly renegotiated his contract at the end of May with the understanding that a return was not imminent. Dickenson later revealed that Begelton’s injury had been more severe than the team initially thought and that he was “not that close” to being ready.

Joining Begelton for a second stint on the six-game injured list is veteran kicker Rene Paredes, who has been out with a hip injury since the start of the season. The 41-year-old had also been practicing in a limited capacity and was reportedly “progressing” towards a return, but isn’t ready quite yet.

“I do feel like he is still doing as much as he can. I do feel like he’s a little bit closer than Reg,” Dickenson said. “It’s unfortunate. Let’s be honest, never went into the year thinking that those two guys wouldn’t be playing Week 1.”

Paredes has been with the Stampeders since 2011, earning six All-West Division selections, five All-CFL selections, and winning two Grey Cups. The native of Venezuela, who was raised in Pierrefonds, Que., has made 87.5 percent of his career field goal attempts, which ranks second all-time in league history behind Sean Whyte. He also ranks No. 30 all-time in regular-season games played at 247.

The Calgary Stampeders (3-4) will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-4) at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, August 1, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders blew out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this past week, while the Tiger-Cats fell 31-18 to the Montreal Alouettes.

The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 27 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and CTV in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.