The storyline for Calgary:
The Stampeders can clinch a playoff spot with either a win or B.C. Lions loss to Saskatchewan this week, and a victory also locks up a home playoff date. They haven't looked dominant this season but have won a series of close games, including a 24-23 nail-biter over the Ticats in Week 1. Like the Ticats, the Stamps are dealing with some significant injuries this week, particularly on defence.
Key injuries:
The Stamps will be without middle linebacker Juwan Simpson and boundary corner Joe Burnett, two of their veteran stalwarts. They are also signing a brand new left tackle in Derek Dennis, who was signed Sept. 21.
The storyline for Hamilton:
Jeff Mathews. With starting quarterback Zach Collaros out for the season with a torn ACL, the job falls to the rookie Mathews, who played for head coach Kent Austin and offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell for three seasons at Cornell. Mathews doesn't have to be as spectacular as Collaros ? who was a leading candidate for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player ? but he can't throw two pick sixes like he did in relief against Edmonton.
Key injuries and roster changes:
With Collaros out, Jeremiah Masoli comes off the practice roster to fill the No. 3 quarterback spot. Running back Michael Ford, who is bigger and better in pass protection, takes over for Ray Holley, while newly-signed defensive back Jalil Carter comes onto the roster for Cleshawn Page and will likely play a back-up and special-teams role. Receiver Bakari Grant returns after missing six games due to injury and will start in place of Tiquan Underwood, who will likely be a healthy scratch. Canadian special teamers Arnaud Gascon-Nadon and Mike Daly also return, while tackle Jake Olson (six-game injured), guard Ryan Bomben (one-game injured), defensive end Everett Ellefsen (practice roster) and receiver Matt Coates (six-game injured) come off the roster.
The Stampeders can clinch a playoff spot with either a win or B.C. Lions loss to Saskatchewan this week, and a victory also locks up a home playoff date. They haven't looked dominant this season but have won a series of close games, including a 24-23 nail-biter over the Ticats in Week 1. Like the Ticats, the Stamps are dealing with some significant injuries this week, particularly on defence.
Key injuries:
The Stamps will be without middle linebacker Juwan Simpson and boundary corner Joe Burnett, two of their veteran stalwarts. They are also signing a brand new left tackle in Derek Dennis, who was signed Sept. 21.
The storyline for Hamilton:
Jeff Mathews. With starting quarterback Zach Collaros out for the season with a torn ACL, the job falls to the rookie Mathews, who played for head coach Kent Austin and offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell for three seasons at Cornell. Mathews doesn't have to be as spectacular as Collaros ? who was a leading candidate for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player ? but he can't throw two pick sixes like he did in relief against Edmonton.
Key injuries and roster changes:
With Collaros out, Jeremiah Masoli comes off the practice roster to fill the No. 3 quarterback spot. Running back Michael Ford, who is bigger and better in pass protection, takes over for Ray Holley, while newly-signed defensive back Jalil Carter comes onto the roster for Cleshawn Page and will likely play a back-up and special-teams role. Receiver Bakari Grant returns after missing six games due to injury and will start in place of Tiquan Underwood, who will likely be a healthy scratch. Canadian special teamers Arnaud Gascon-Nadon and Mike Daly also return, while tackle Jake Olson (six-game injured), guard Ryan Bomben (one-game injured), defensive end Everett Ellefsen (practice roster) and receiver Matt Coates (six-game injured) come off the roster.
