Latest news with #Stampeders
Ottawa Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Stampeders in Week 9 — QB Vernon Adams Jr. up in air to play host Redblacks
Article content Article content Pretty much everyone on the Stamps has got to be feeling it. Article content After all, they're heading into their fourth game in 20 days, and last week's contest took a toll on them health-wise. Article content Adams wasn't the only casualty on the offence. So, too, were a couple of his key receivers — rookie Damien Alford and veteran Jalen Philpot both suffered hamstring injuries. And neither participated in practice Sunday, but Philpot was a limited participant Monday. Article content To boot, the offence is still without clutch receiver Clark Barnes, who's still got an ankle issue and didn't practise Sunday or Monday. Article content 'It's tough on the guys, definitely in the trenches,' added Adams, of the tight schedule. 'I feel for those guys (on the offensive line), but these guys are working hard, they're hitting the weight room, and they're doing what they need to do to get their bodies together. So we had a little lighter practice, I think, just to get guys (healthy) — we got some guys down. So guys are doing what they need to do to be out here.' Article content Article content With injuries to multiple defensive backs last week — Adrian Greene (lower body) and Ben Labrosse (hamstring) were both lost at the field-side cornerback spot, the Stampeders have signed Canadian DB Dolani Robinson. The 6-foot-3, 194-lb. Robinson attended training camp with the Stampeders in May and participated in both pre-season games, notching two defensive tackles, one special-teams tackle and one knockdown. The native of Jamaica and 2024 Canada West all-star with the U SPORTS' Regina Rams was among the final round of roster cuts at the conclusion of camp … DB Tyler Richardson (groin), who started the first four games for the Stamps at boundary-side corner, and DB Jackson Sombach (hamstring) are also injured secondary talents … Labrosse did not practise Monday, while Sombach was a limited participant at practice Monday, as was LS Aaron Crawford (knee) … Other injured Stamps practising fully at Monday's session were OL Josh Coker (ankle) — the starter at right tackle — LB Kelechi Anyalebechi (foot) and LB Justin Herdman-Reed (neck). Article content
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Linebacker Jacob Roberts making most of chance to start with Calgary Stampeders
Preparation ensured Jacob Roberts was ready when the Calgary Stampeders needed him most. The second-year linebacker leads Calgary in total tackles (43), which also leaves him tied for third in the CFL. Not bad, considering Roberts began the season as a backup before stepping in at weakside linebacker after middle linebacker Marquel Lee (bicep) was hurt in the Stampeders 29-19 win in Toronto on June 14. The six-foot-one, 228-pound Roberts had 14 total tackles (four defensive, 10 special teams) in six games last season after signing with Calgary on Aug. 24, 2024. This year, though, he had the benefit of a full training camp with the Stamps. 'Last year I came in pretty late and was kind of behind learning the system,' he said. 'This is my first full year, it was my first training camp so I got ahead in the playbook. 'I learned as much as i could so I could go out there and be the best player I could be for this defence.' Roberts, 23, began the '25 season behind Canadian Micah Teitz at weakside linebacker. But when Lee went down, Teitz moved to middle linebacker and Roberts replaced him. Roberts had a team-high eight tackles in last week's 23-21 loss to Montreal. The Stampeders (5-2) visit the Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) on Thursday night. Montreal handed Calgary its first loss in four games. But the Stampeders have already recorded as many wins as they had in '24 (5-12-1) when they missed the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2004. Calgary's biggest off-season move was acquiring veteran quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from the B.C. Lions. Adams has helped spearhead a Stampeders offence that entering action last week led the CFL in net yards (406.3/game) and rushing (130.5/game) and was tied for second in offensive TDs (16). But Calgary's defence has done its part, helped also by the return of defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade (trade with Toronto) and addition of defensive back Damon Webb (free agency). Heading into last week's action, the Stampeders were first in fewest offensive points allowed (17.2 per game) and offensive TDs (seven) and second overall in fewest touchdown passes allowed (seven). Last year, Calgary's defence was last overall against the run (125.6 yards/game) and eighth in both offensive points allowed (27.1) and net offensive yards (381.2). 'I think it's just preparation and trust,' Roberts said of Calgary's defensive turnaround. 'We built the trust in training camp and everyone put in a lot of effort to learn the playbook and schemes so when we got to the season from the pre-season, we gelled together. 'I just feel like it shows to the work we put in before the season started and the work we continue to put in now.' Roberts completed his collegiate career at Wake Forest in 2023, recording 83 tackles (10 for loss), six sacks and two forced fumbles while starting nine-of-12 games. He spent the previous three seasons at North Carolina A&T, posting 218 tackles (29.5 for loss), 9.5 sacks, five interceptions, a fumble recovery and six blocked kicks in 32 career contests. 'Jacob is a dynamic playmaking linebacker who is capitalizing on the opportunity to showcase his skills,' said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Roberts' Florida-based agent. 'And it's resulting in a standout season so far. 'Truth be told, I firmly believe Jacob is only going to get better and develop into one of the league's best linebackers.' Roberts admits he knew little about Canada or the CFL before arriving in Calgary. And while he needed some time to get acclimated to a new city and playing a different game on a wider, longer field, Roberts feels the transition to both was seamless. 'Seeing all that motion for the first time, my thought was, 'Oh wow, I definitely have to get used to this,'' Roberts said. 'But studying film and being out there in practice going against some of the best receivers in the league allows you to adjust faster and more easily. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'I'd say I adjusted pretty well.' Although he's now playing football for a living, Roberts said his outlook on the game hasn't changed. 'I approach this the same way I did in high school,' he said. 'I take football very seriously, I always play with a chip on my shoulder and feel like every time I step on the field I have something to prove. 'My mentality has never changed. I always strive to be the best player I can be on the field no matter where I'm at.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2025.
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Stampeders in Week 9 — QB Vernon Adams Jr. up in air to play host Redblacks
Article content Article content Pretty much everyone on the Stamps has got to be feeling it. Article content After all, they're heading into their fourth game in 20 days, and last week's contest took a toll on them health-wise. Article content Adams wasn't the only casualty on the offence. So, too, were a couple of his key receivers — rookie Damien Alford and veteran Jalen Philpot both suffered hamstring injuries. And neither participated in practice Sunday, but Philpot was a limited participant Monday. Article content To boot, the offence is still without clutch receiver Clark Barnes, who's still got an ankle issue and didn't practise Sunday or Monday. Article content 'It's tough on the guys, definitely in the trenches,' added Adams, of the tight schedule. 'I feel for those guys (on the offensive line), but these guys are working hard, they're hitting the weight room, and they're doing what they need to do to get their bodies together. So we had a little lighter practice, I think, just to get guys (healthy) — we got some guys down. So guys are doing what they need to do to be out here.' Article content Article content SHORT YARDAGE Article content With injuries to multiple defensive backs last week — Adrian Greene (lower body) and Ben Labrosse (hamstring) were both lost at the field-side cornerback spot, the Stampeders have signed Canadian DB Dolani Robinson. The 6-foot-3, 194-lb. Robinson attended training camp with the Stampeders in May and participated in both pre-season games, notching two defensive tackles, one special-teams tackle and one knockdown. The native of Jamaica and 2024 Canada West all-star with the U SPORTS' Regina Rams was among the final round of roster cuts at the conclusion of camp … DB Tyler Richardson (groin), who started the first four games for the Stamps at boundary-side corner, and DB Jackson Sombach (hamstring) are also injured secondary talents … Labrosse did not practise Monday, while Sombach was a limited participant at practice Monday, as was LS Aaron Crawford (knee) … Other injured Stamps practising fully at Monday's session were OL Josh Coker (ankle) — the starter at right tackle — LB Kelechi Anyalebechi (foot) and LB Justin Herdman-Reed (neck). Article content
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Linebacker Jacob Roberts making most of chance to start with Calgary Stampeders
Preparation ensured Jacob Roberts was ready when the Calgary Stampeders needed him most. The second-year linebacker leads Calgary in total tackles (43), which also leaves him tied for third in the CFL. Not bad, considering Roberts began the season as a backup before stepping in at weakside linebacker after middle linebacker Marquel Lee (bicep) was hurt in the Stampeders 29-19 win in Toronto on June 14. The six-foot-one, 228-pound Roberts had 14 total tackles (four defensive, 10 special teams) in six games last season after signing with Calgary on Aug. 24, 2024. This year, though, he had the benefit of a full training camp with the Stamps. 'Last year I came in pretty late and was kind of behind learning the system,' he said. 'This is my first full year, it was my first training camp so I got ahead in the playbook. 'I learned as much as i could so I could go out there and be the best player I could be for this defence.' Roberts, 23, began the '25 season behind Canadian Micah Teitz at weakside linebacker. But when Lee went down, Teitz moved to middle linebacker and Roberts replaced him. Roberts had a team-high eight tackles in last week's 23-21 loss to Montreal. The Stampeders (5-2) visit the Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) on Thursday night. Montreal handed Calgary its first loss in four games. But the Stampeders have already recorded as many wins as they had in '24 (5-12-1) when they missed the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2004. Calgary's biggest off-season move was acquiring veteran quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from the B.C. Lions. Adams has helped spearhead a Stampeders offence that entering action last week led the CFL in net yards (406.3/game) and rushing (130.5/game) and was tied for second in offensive TDs (16). But Calgary's defence has done its part, helped also by the return of defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade (trade with Toronto) and addition of defensive back Damon Webb (free agency). Heading into last week's action, the Stampeders were first in fewest offensive points allowed (17.2 per game) and offensive TDs (seven) and second overall in fewest touchdown passes allowed (seven). Last year, Calgary's defence was last overall against the run (125.6 yards/game) and eighth in both offensive points allowed (27.1) and net offensive yards (381.2). 'I think it's just preparation and trust,' Roberts said of Calgary's defensive turnaround. 'We built the trust in training camp and everyone put in a lot of effort to learn the playbook and schemes so when we got to the season from the pre-season, we gelled together. 'I just feel like it shows to the work we put in before the season started and the work we continue to put in now.' Roberts completed his collegiate career at Wake Forest in 2023, recording 83 tackles (10 for loss), six sacks and two forced fumbles while starting nine-of-12 games. He spent the previous three seasons at North Carolina A&T, posting 218 tackles (29.5 for loss), 9.5 sacks, five interceptions, a fumble recovery and six blocked kicks in 32 career contests. 'Jacob is a dynamic playmaking linebacker who is capitalizing on the opportunity to showcase his skills,' said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Roberts' Florida-based agent. 'And it's resulting in a standout season so far. 'Truth be told, I firmly believe Jacob is only going to get better and develop into one of the league's best linebackers.' Roberts admits he knew little about Canada or the CFL before arriving in Calgary. And while he needed some time to get acclimated to a new city and playing a different game on a wider, longer field, Roberts feels the transition to both was seamless. 'Seeing all that motion for the first time, my thought was, 'Oh wow, I definitely have to get used to this,'' Roberts said. 'But studying film and being out there in practice going against some of the best receivers in the league allows you to adjust faster and more easily. 'I'd say I adjusted pretty well.' Although he's now playing football for a living, Roberts said his outlook on the game hasn't changed. 'I approach this the same way I did in high school,' he said. 'I take football very seriously, I always play with a chip on my shoulder and feel like every time I step on the field I have something to prove. 'My mentality has never changed. I always strive to be the best player I can be on the field no matter where I'm at.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2025.
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
'I think I'm good': After injury scare, QB Vernon Adams Jr. returns to Calgary Stampeders practice
Vernon Adams Jr. was a full go at practice Sunday for the Calgary Stampeders. Article content Seemingly no ill effects of a hurt head after being sidelined by the Canadian Football League for the entire fourth quarter of Thursday's 23-21 loss to the visiting Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium. Article content And seemingly fit to start for the Stampeders (5-2) in this coming Thursday's visit to play the Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) at TD Place (5:30 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge). Article content 'Yeah … I think I'm good,' Adams said. 'We'll talk to the trainers again, and we'll see what's going on.' Article content Article content The head injury happened when Alouettes defender Tyrice Beverette put a lick on Adams, with the quarterback trying to scramble for a first down late in the third quarter. Article content 'You know … I just took a hit — I think — from the side and kind of just rung my ear,' Adams said. 'And I saw the tape, obviously, where I got up a little wobbly. Article content 'But I felt like I was good enough to go back. But … you know … we've got to do the protocol and play it safe.' Article content Whether that means Adams is able to step in under centre for Thursday's rematch with the host Redblacks remains to be seen. Article content Remember one of the losses by the Stamps and the Redblacks' only victory of the 2025 CFL season came in their first meeting at McMahon — a 20-12 debacle in monsoon-like conditions. Article content Article content 'Yeah … I mean, he did do quite a bit (Monday) in getting himself back and was very positive,' said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, of his starting QB. 'And like I said, I think he has good energy. We do obviously let him handle it, as well as our medical people. Article content Article content 'But it does feel like he's out here doing some things, which is a good sign.' Article content Three other Stampeders injured during the contest didn't practise Sunday. Article content Dynamic Canadian receivers Damien Alford and Jalen Philpot have muscle injuries, said Dickenson on Sunday. Alford went out after his first and only catch of the game, with what looked like a hamstring injury. Article content Cornerback Adrian Greene was also hurt in the loss, leaving a few defensive plays after his interception in the second quarter, with a lower-body issue, as well. Article content 'We definitely had our share of muscle tweaks across the board — that was unfortunate,' added Dickenson. 'I need them in there. And you gotta not only play, you gotta play 60 plays. So we'll see how we can get the roster shaped up when the week ends. Article content
