There are no games on the Stamps calendar this weekend. They, like football fans everywhere, will get to sit back and watch the two Semi-Final games in Guelph and Regina.
When all that is said and done, the heavy lifting will begin for the Stampeders in their quest for the Grey Cup. Frotunately for them, they’ll have plenty of time to game plan for whoever their opponent will be in advance of the Nov. 17 Western Final at McMahon Stadium.
| Stamps to host Western Final |
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The Calgary Stampeders will host the Western Final on November 17 vs. either the BC Lions or Saskatchewan Roughriders at McMahon Stadium… |
But despite there being no game on this week’s schedule, there is still plenty going on at McMahon Stadium.
Most prominent of the issues facing the team is plugging in three in new starters for the Western Final.
In their regular season finale, defensive linemen Demonte’ Bolden, Micah Johnson and leading receiver Marquay McDaniel all limped off the field with serious-looking injuries.
Two days later, it was revealed that all three will be out of action for the remainder of the season.
Replacing the two interior defensive linemen may involve activating a rookie for the big game.
Earl Okine has been on the practice roster for roughly a month, and the Stampeders have been impressed with the 6-foot-6 Florida product over the last month.
There is a strong possibility he will be activated for the game.
Canadian Etienne Legare is also a possibility for a spot. He missed the first half of the year recovering from shoulder surgery, but saw the field on several occasions in the second half of the year. The team also has defensive lineman Fred Bishop on the practice roster as an option.
General Manager and Head Coach John Hufnagel is also considering bringing in a player or two for evaluation.
Regardless, the club will be doing some serious renovations of the interior of the line on the eve of the biggest game of the year.
There will also be several combinations considered to replace McDaniel.
McDaniel recorded career highs in catches and yards in 2013 after taking the place of Nik Lewis on the field, who, ironically, also suffered a season-ending injury in Vancouver.
The Stampeders are also counting on a couple of receivers to return to action.
Joe West has battled shoulder injuries all season, but he could be ready for the Western Final. Brad Sinopoli has also been out of action with concussion symptoms, and he will be tested to see if he is healthy enough to play.
The Stampeders will hold three workouts this week at McMahon Stadium. 
These are more drill and review sessions, as opposed to working on game plans for a specific opponent. The team will have the weekend off before reconvening on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Regardless of the opponent, the Stampeders will face a stiff challenge from either the Lions or the Roughriders. Three of the four losses this year came against those two teams.
The Stamps split their four meetings with the Lions, with each team winning their respective home games.
Meanwhile, Calgary took two of their three matchups with Saskatchewan, with both victories coming at McMahon Stadium. Their one loss in Mosaic Stadium saw the team play one of its flattest halves of football during the 2013 season.
Needless to say, it’s a bye week time for the Stampeders…but not a week off.
