Calgary Stampeders at Ottawa RedBlacks
TD Place Stadium
Thursday, July 12
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. MT
Radio: 770 CHQR, Sirius XM 167
TV: TSN, ESPN +

The bye week is over and it’s time to get back to work.

The Stamps head to the nation’s capital for a Thursday night rematch with the Ottawa RedBlacks this week.

“We expect the same thing we got last time. It’s going to be a dog fight,” said receiver DaVaris Daniels. “It’s not going to be high scoring or anything. I’m sure they don’t want to lose to us twice, so we’ve got a challenge on our hands and we’ll be ready for it.”

“Any time you play a team two times in a row, they’re going to come out with adjustments, just like we’ll come out with adjustments,” added defensive end James Vaughters. “We’ll stick to our plan, trust our plays, trust our system and play as best we can.”

The two teams battled at McMahon Stadium back on June 28, with the Stampeders edging the RedBlacks 24-14 in a closely fought affair.

It was the Stampeders defence which turned the tide in the first meeting, racking up three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and perhaps the biggest play of all was Ciante Evans’ touchdown-saving takedown of Diantae Spencer on the one-yard line.

But the offence came through when it mattered.

A Don Jackson touchdown run late in the fourth quarter sealed the win over the visitors. With 105 total rushing yards by the Stamps, the team continued its strong running game – averaging over 140 yards per game so far this season.

Running back Terry Williams will head to the one-game injured reserve, opening up a chance to Romar Morris, who will make his CFL debut.

That ground-and-pound attack from the backs wouldn’t be possible without some big men creating lanes through the defence, though.

“It’s the identity of Calgary Stampeder football,” said offensive lineman Derek Dennis. “It’s always been a very run first team and we pride ourselves on being a balanced offence. I think right now, for our offensive unit, at least, for the offensive line, the biggest thing that’s helping us be successful is the attitude that we have as a group.

“We try to bring a lot of energy and be nasty and I think that helps our group. We’re trying to bring that intensity but also stay disciplined and play within ourselves.”

With the extra time given to rest and prepare, the Stampeders are feeling fresh and ready to get back on the field.

Veteran receiver Kamar Jorden considers the bye week an advantage heading into Thursday night.

“We’ve had a couple days to get back into the rhythm and a couple days for us to get ready for them. I think that’s an advantage for us, but at the end of the day, we still have to handle business when we get on the field.

“I feel like I’ll take my guys versus their guys anytime.”

Additions to this week’s 46-man roster are Cordarro Law, Justin Renfrow, Marken Michel, Julan Lynch, and Morris. The five subtractions will be Eric Rogers, Maleki Harris, Williams, Spencer Wilson, and Folarin Orimolade.