11 hours ago
Costly win for Calgary Stampeders against Toronto Argos
Toronto Argos quarterback Nick Arbuckle is sacked by Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade in Toronto on June 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker
The good news for the Calgary Stampeders is they're off to a 2-0 start this season.
The bad news is the injuries are starting to pile up.
Saturday's game against the Argos was a tough one, as receiver Reggie Begelton suffered a knee injury and is on crutches.
So is long snapper Aaron Crawford.
Linebacker Marquel Lee suffered a bicep injury.
Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson says Saturday's game was a tough one.
'We're definitely going to be down some guys,' said Dickenson.
'We're going to see how it plays out. We still are getting information on everybody, but we won and it came at a cost. It does give us an opportunity for other guys, but definitely some serious injuries, so we're going to have to adjust.'
Philpot has his best game in CFL
Dickenson admits some of the injured players could be done for the season.
But as with anything in sports, it's all about the next man up.
Receiver Jalen Philpot certainly stepped up.
He had his best statistical game in the CFL, breaking the 100-yard mark in receiving.
He says it's going to give him a lot of confidence.
'It's awesome to be able to break that 100-yard mark, especially at the pro level. It's huge,' said the 24-year-old.
'It's kind of a weight off the shoulders, and I definitely wanted it. I'm just thankful that the team put me in situations to make those plays. I know they expect me to make those plays. That's why they brought me in here, so (I'm) just happy to do that.'
Roberts learning from roommate
Jacob Roberts took over for Lee when he went down with his injury.
They're great friends on and off the field and are roommates.
Roberts takes advice from Lee and says it's time for him to step up.
'We lost the engine to our defence,' said the 23-year-old.
'But we've got his back and I'm going to step in there. We've got guys like (Micah) Teitz and some younger guys that are coming up getting ready for the game, and we're going to step in. It's a big role, but we're going to fill his shoes.'
Jason MacGougan was signed by the Stamps on Tuesday after Crawford was injured.
MacGougan was here for training camp and played in both pre-season games for the Stamps.
He says he's ready for this opportunity.
'It's unfortunate what happened, especially to a guy that's as good as Crawford is,' said the 22-year-old.
'He's a great guy in the room and just a good person overall. But at the end of the day, it's a contact sport and injuries happen, and it's the next-man-up mentality.'
The Stamps' next game is on Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium against the Ottawa Redblacks.
