The Calgary Stampeders have experienced a stop-start beginning to their 2026 season. Following training camp and an unusually early pre-season contest, the team faced a series of days off before resetting camp, playing a second exhibition game, and jumping straight into the regular schedule. After a Week 1 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Stampeders had a lengthy bye-week before finally returning to practice sessions on Tuesday in Week 3 of the Canadian Football League campaign.
Adjusting to an Unusual Schedule
Stampeders GM and head coach Dave Dickenson acknowledged the challenge of the disjointed start. “Yeah … I mean … I feel like we’re kind of still getting into it, which is crazy,” he said. “It’s our Week 2 of the season, but we had quite a bit of off time there.” He added, “Our guys showed up with a good attitude, and — obviously — we’re excited to play. But … yeah, we’ve certainly got to knock a little rust off.”
The team will need to be sharp quickly, as the Grey Cup-champion Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0) visit McMahon Stadium on Saturday night to face the host Stampeders (0-1). The game is set for 5 p.m. on TSN and QR Calgary 770 AM.
Dickenson’s Perspective on the Early Bye
“I don’t think any of us enjoy an early bye,” Dickenson said. “You do like to get into your apartments, and you do like to get settled, and you do like to find where you’re going to stay. But ultimately, you like to kind of keep getting better and keep improving, and the only way to do that is to practise and play and make sure that you’re understanding situational football and understanding what it takes to win.”
He noted that six teams have already had bye-weeks, so the Stampeders are not alone. “Now it’s over,” Dickenson continued. “It’s just we’re going to get into our groove. … So we’ll try to generate some momentum now. After losing a tough game, we want to play better, and we want to come out here with a win.”
What Did the Stampeders Do During the Bye-Week?
For many players, the bye-week offered a chance to return home or enjoy some rest and relaxation. Others sought adventure. Running back Dedrick Mills, who had a strong first game with 112 yards and a touchdown, took a West Coast trip with his new wife, Jasmine, to celebrate her birthday. Their getaway included a cruise along the coast of Mexico and a visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles.
“I did a few of the rides at Universal Studios,” said Mills with a grin. “I’m not a fan of roller coasters … for real. So, of course, my wife laughed at me the whole time we was on the ride, because me, I’m over there going ‘AHHHHHHHHHHH!’ I be freaked out. I’m a big strong guy. But on the ride, I’m over there screaming, and everybody’s looking at me. Kids are looking at me, thinking like, ‘This guy …’”
Mills admitted to being more settled and impressed by the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Now, with the bye-week behind them, the Stampeders are focused on shaking off the rust and securing their first win of the season against the defending champions.
