The Calgary Stampeders are wrapping up a demanding training camp as they head into their final CFL pre-season game against the Edmonton Elks on Friday night at Clarke Stadium. The contest serves as a last-chance audition for players vying for a spot on the active roster.
Coaching Staff Faces Tough Decisions
Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson acknowledged the intensity of the camp. "It's been a heavy load, and the work is done," he said after the final training session at McMahon Stadium. "And now it's up to me."
Dickenson and his staff must reduce the roster to the CFL-mandated 46 active players, plus those on injured and practice rosters, following Friday's game. The decisions are never easy, especially when evaluating young talent.
Evaluating Draft Picks and Young Players
Dickenson expressed confidence in the team's draft class. First-round linebacker Eric Rascoe has impressed as expected. However, third-round receiver Jesulayomi Ojutalayo has been hampered by an injury, making evaluation difficult. Third-round defensive lineman Tristan Marois is also battling a hamstring issue.
"You do feel like your top picks sometimes have a little bit of advantage because you've invested a little bit more in them," Dickenson noted. "But even our other young guys are coming. Our young draft-picks offensive line-wise, they're playing well, so let's see what they can do and give them that opportunity."
Players who do not make the cut and are still eligible can return to their university or college teams.
Final Audition in Edmonton
The Stampeders will travel by bus to Edmonton on Friday morning and return after the game. Dickenson, who experienced similar schedules in the NFL, acknowledged the challenges. "It's still tough, and it's tougher on guys with muscle injuries or muscle aches," he said. "And it's also about who mentally can handle it and still play fast."
The key for players is to make the coaching staff's decisions difficult by showcasing their skills. "I want to see guys that are competing for the jobs," Dickenson emphasized. "I have to give them an opportunity. I know what certain guys are, but I want to make sure we have fair competition."
