The coincidences for Calgary Stampeders quarterback Kevin Glenn are striking.
In 2012, he made his first Calgary start in the team’s third game, in Montreal, on July 12.
Fast forward one year later, and Glenn will make his first start of the 2013 season in (once again) the team’s third game, in Montreal, on July 12.
“It’s pretty much déjà vu,” smiled the Stampeders veteran quarterback.
”Everything that went on this week and everything that happened last game is déjà vu. But it’s still football, you still have to go out and play,”
Glenn’s Week 3 return to the starting role was brought about due to a fore arm injury to starter Drew Tate.
The strain in the forearm had been brewing for a while but reared its head in Calgary last game in Saskatchewan. Tate left the game in the fourth quarter as the strain continued to cause discomfort.
The opportunity to lean on a savvy veteran like Glenn is a great relief to Stampeders coach John Hufnagel.
“It is a coincidence,” acknowledged Hufnagel.
”But since that time one year ago, Kevin’s got a lot more snaps as a quarterback for the Calgary Stampeders, a lot more comfortable with the playbook and he’ll be better prepared because he’s been here that much longer.”
Glenn’s debut as a Stampeder was a narrow 33-32 loss to the Alouettes. He was a solid in the game but threw a late interception that allowed the Als to score the game-winning touchdown in the final minutes
Tate, by the way, is listed as day-to-day. The best cure for his tendonitis is rest, meaning he will dress but watch the game in Montreal.
Glenn’s insertion as starting quarterback is far from the only roster move Hufnagel has to deal with.
On offence, lineman Dan Federkeil was left behind in Calgary with a stomach virus. Meanwhile, newly-converted receiver Brad Sinopoli will start in place of the injured Mo Price.
“It’s very exciting. That’s why you’re here, you want to get on the field and show what you can do,” noted the Stampeders 2011 draft choice.
“You just work hard and things will play out as they play out. When you get your opportunity you want to make the most of it.”
Price left practice with a leg injury on Tuesday, opening the door for Sinopoli to start. Sinopoli spent two years with the Stampeders as a backup quarterback before making the off-season move to receiver.
Those moves are just a couple of the many forced on the football club. Defensive lineman Micah Johnson has been placed on the nine-game injured list after suffering a torn oblique muscle. His place has been taken by recent arrival and ex-Argonaut Kevin Huntley.
Calgary’s secondary has also been hit hard with Darius Brooks and Jamar Wall both sidelined. Chris Randle and Quincy Butler have been added to the roster to take their spot.
Maybe the most welcomed sight on defence was the return of veteran Keon Raymond. The Stamps two-time team MVP missed the first two games of the year with an ankle injury.
“We’ve got a lot of experience. We’ve got guys who have played a lot of games,” said Raymond.
“We’ve got guys hungry to get back out on the field.”
So as Raymond readies himself for his Stampeders game of the year, Glenn also preps in the most familiar of settings.
