Main Camp — Day 14

The Stampeders on Saturday went through their final preparations for their Father’s Day game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Kickoff for the contest at McMahon Stadium is 1 p.m.

It’s the last live-action opportunity to see the roster hopefuls in action.

“Our objectives haven’t changed for pre-season,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel after Saturday’s walk-through under sunny skies at McMahon.

“We want to get a great evaluation of the players. There is some tight competition and you’re still looking for players to jump up. Everyone is still in the mix. (The goal is also) to play well enough to win the game. If we can accomplish both, that’s great.”

Coach Huff says there isn’t a particular position battle that is more important than the others..

“They’re all out there,” he insisted. “We’ve got a lot of receivers. We’ve got a lot of DBs. We’ve got a lot of interior defensive linemen. We still have to sort out the offensive line and who is going to the right guard, I’m looking for a breakout returner . . . things like that. I can’t narrow it down to one or two (positions).”

More coverage

>> Ryan Thelwell blog
>> Video: Father’s Day tribute
>> Game preview

Main Camp — Day 13

As far as the players are concerned, Day 13 of training camp was as lucky as can be.

That’s because Friday marked the final two-a-day camp, the grueling period when practices are held both in the morning and in the afternoon.

“It feels great,” said veteran defender Keon Raymond. “This is my fourth year of being a professional athlete and to get through another camp of two-a-days? Phew. I tell you, it’s been exhausting.

“But Coach Huff did a great job with camp this year. He let up when we needed him to. He knew how players were tired and knew the right time to give us an opportunity to recover so that we could come out here and give our best effort.”

The team will have a walk-through session Saturday to their final studying for Sunday’s home date with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. While first-year players dominated the first pre-season contest — a 23-21 victory in Edmonton — the veterans will see more action on Sunday.

“We’d like to give the perceived starters — the anticipated starters for the July 1st game — a good half of football and then we’ll take it from there,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel.

“There are a lot of battles out there. It’s a big game. I know mostly what the veterans can and can’t do, it’s the younger guys I need to find out about. This is their last opportunity so they have to get themselves ready to play. Don’t be out there making the same mistakes that they made last week in Edmonton.”

REPORT FROM THE TRENCHES

The big guys on the defensive line turned in a strong showing during camp.

“I think we’ve got a good blend,” said defensive line coach Cornell Brown. “We’ve got some experience coming back and we’ve also got some new talent in that I think can provide us some depth and provide us a different look and help us out. I think we’re going to continue to improve as the season goes along. The main focus is we just want to be better than we were last year.”

Unlike a year ago, when the line featured a gaggle of newcomers, this year’s unit features numerous veterans including Charleston Hughes, Mike Labinjo, Tearrius George, DeVone Claybrooks, Miguel Robede, Justin Phillips and Fernand Kashama.

“You start to build a bond, and that’s the big thing,” said Brown. “You want to have camaraderie when you’re playing the game because the more they play together, the more they’re going to depend on each other and the more accountable they’re going to be to one another.”

ROOKIE SWITCHES SIDES

Mike Cornell admits he didn’t know what to think when the Stampeders asked him to move from linebacker, the position he played at the University of Ottawa, to fullback.

 “The first time I heard, I was like, ‘Hmm, I don’t know. Going into pro camp at a different position?’ ” he said. “But after thinking about it for a few minutes, I realized that they obviously saw something in me and they’re trying to put me in the best opportunity to make the squad, so I just embraced it.

“Now I’m totally thinking about offence. I’m totally into it. I learned the playbook and it’s flowing nice now. Football is football. There’s blocking, catching, hitting . . . it’s all the same, really. It’s just that you’re on a different side of the ball.”

The position isn’t totally new to him — he saw action in the offensive backfield when he played in high school and in the junior ranks.

He’s also benefitted from the fact running backs coach Rick Campbell is also making the conversion after working as a defensive coach much of his career.

“It’s awesome,” said Cornell, “because the way he coaches me is he teaches me how the defence views it so that I can understand how to go against them, to counteract what they’re doing. It helps me for sure.”

DAY 13 RECAP

Transactions

None

Injuries

Non-import offensive lineman Matt Sheridan (back), import offensive lineman Edwin Harrison (knee), non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring), import linebacker Robert McCune (back), and import running back Derek Watson (knee) did not practise and are day-to-day. Import receiver Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for walkthrough on Saturday, June 19 from approximately 10:40 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Oamo Culbreath
>> Preview of Sunday’s game against Saskatchewan

Main Camp — Day 12

It was just a matter of time.

The veterans knew it was coming, although it’s hard to know for sure if they were looking forward to it or dreading it. Maybe it was a little of both.

Either way, ready or not, Black Betty Day descended upon Stampeders training camp on Thursday. The brainchild of equipment manager George Hopkins — an amateur DJ with a one-track mind — the concept of Black Betty Day is pretty simple. All day long, in the locker-room and over the loudspeakers above the McMahon Stadium field, seven different versions of the Ra
m Jam song are blared on an endless loop.

It all started in 1993 when players appropriated the locker-room stereo and played music that wasn’t exactly Hopkins’ cup of tea. The equipment guru responded by dropping in a Black Betty CD — only three versions at the time — and hitting the repeat button.

“It started off for about two hours,” said Hopkins, “and then it’s just morphed into what it is now — an all-day thing.”

The music may wear on everyone a bit by the end of the day, but there’s no denying the appeal.

“When it came on,” said veteran receiver Ryan Thelwell, “it was funny because for a few minutes, you weren’t cold. You didn’t feel the rain. Everybody started dancing. I enjoy it. I think it’s awesome and I know Geo absolutely loves it.”

And what does head coach and general manager John Hufnagel think of Black Betty?

“What song?” he deadpanned. “I had my hearing aids off.”

>> Video: More on Black Betty Day

YOUNGSTERS CATCHING ON

No fewer than 12 different players caught balls during the Stamps’ pre-season win over the Edmonton Eskimos on Sunday.

Seven of the receivers were first-year players and four others were sophomores who saw limited action during their rookie seasons.

“We’ve got a real talented young group of receivers,” said receivers coach Pete Costanza, “maybe one of the most talented as a group in the three years that I’ve been here. The important thing for them is they’re all competing for a spot. They’re working hard to find that spot and what they can do in their receiving game and their return game is going to help them get on the field for us.”

With recuperated veteran pass-catchers Ken-Yon Rambo and Ryan Thelwell ordered to take things easy early in camp as a precautionary measure, the youngsters were given more work.

“It allowed the other guys to get more reps,” said Costanza. “When they’re new in the system, those guys need the routes and they were able to take advantage of the extra reps that they got and I think it shows in the way they’re playing here at the end of camp.”

Along with all the rookies, Arjei Franklin and Romby Bryant — mid-season acquisitions from the Blue Bombers in 2009 — are in their first training camp with the Red and White.

“Arjei and Romby did a great job last year,” said Costanza. “They came in mid-season and they learned their plays. They learned what they needed to learn to get through each week and the other guys in the group did a great job helping them out and communicating with them.

“This year, you can see the understanding of the offence because now they’re learning the full concept from the beginning. They’ve been making a lot more plays here in camp and they’re more comfortable with the system and they’re more comfortable with (returning quarterbacks Henry Burris and Drew Tate). I think you’re going to see some good things out of them.”

SOMETHING SPECIAL

With a couple of new kickers and a slew of first-year return candidates, much attention has been placed on special teams during training camp.

“We’re just working hard at the different stages of special teams — the return game, the coverage game and also kicking,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnael. “We’re still developing. For the return game, you need the game action to allow them to separate from each other. In practice, you can see their quickness, you can see their ball skills with how well and how securely they catch the football. But they’ve got to make plays in the game. That’s what’s really make one player stand out from the other.”

WEATHER OR NOT

And what would a Stampeders 2010 Training Camp Diary entry be without a mention of the weather? Thursday brought more rain and cool temperatures for the Stamps’ on-field sessions.

Head coach and general manager John Hufnagel has managed to find the silver lining in all those grey clouds.

“I’ve enjoyed our players’ mental approach to training camp so far,” he said. “They’ve worked hard and they really haven’t taken a practice off. They haven’t let the elements bother them. They’re out there and they’re not complaining. They know they need to get better as a football team and they’re working hard to try and achieve it.”

Day 12 recap

Transactions

The Stamps added import receiver Xavier Glenn and released import linebacker Jeremiah Weatherspoon. Import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw was placed on the disabled list.

Injuries

Non-import offensive lineman Matt Sheridan (back), import offensive lineman Edwin Harrison (knee), non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring), import linebacker Robert McCune (back) and import receiver P.K. Sam (hamstring) did not practise and are day-to-day. Import running back Derek Watson (knee) missed the afternoon session and is day-to-day. Receiver Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) remains on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Friday, June 18. Practices run from approximately 9:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Jermaine Jackson
>> Get your tickets for Sunday’s game
>> Ultimate Stamps Dad contest winner

Main Camp — Day 11

A year ago, Dave Dickenson cut his coaching teeth by working with the Stampeders’ running backs. This season, the former all-star quarterback is in very familiar territory as he mentors Calgary’s pivots.

“It’s a big difference, actually,” said Dickenson. “(Former offensive coordinator) George Cortez did most of the heavy work last year and I just kind of figured out where to fit in. This year, even though Huff’s our coordinator, me and Coach (Kris) Sweet have had script practices — he takes the run game and I take the passing game.

“It’s been a lot more work, but more fun as well. I think that’s important. I enjoy the responsibility and I like the creativity of offence, so I’ve had a good time coming up with the offence I want to run.”

Dickenson has certainly had an interesting time these past couple of weeks. For starters, he’s worked with no fewer than seven quarterbacks in camp, with ex-Argo Cody Pickett the latest arrival.

Secondly, he was doing the talking during Sunday’s pre-season game in Edmonton as the CFL introduced the wireless communication system to relay plays to the pivots.

“I thought it flowed smooth,” he said. “We didn’t have any hiccups at all. I learned a few things. Every quarterback has his own way of seeing the field, so I certainly don’t want to be in their ear too much, telling them what to do. Just call the play and let the quarterback be the leader out there.

“The one issue is that during the challenge, I wanted to t
alk to the quarterback and give him some potential plays depending on what happened with the challenge, and it wasn’t on during challenges. So that was the only time we really had any issue with it at all.”

BIG THRILL FOR A BIG MAN

The temptation is to say that Spencer Wilson is doing his best to keep up with the big boys in training camp, but at six-foot-seven and 320 lbs., Wilson IS one of the big boys.

In terms of experience, however, the 22-year-old product of the Calgary Colts juniors knows he has a ways to go.

“I’m constantly working on it,” said Wilson, a resident of the Calgary community of Haysboro who is in camp as a non-roster player. “It’s a big step up and I’m trying to work to get to that step. I just wanted to come out and show as good as I could and see if I could make the squad.”

Wilson accompanied the team to Sunday’s game in Edmonton and got a chance to see action in the late going.

“I was excited,” he said. “I was nervous, but I got in there right at the end of the game and had a blast. My parents came up to Edmonton to watch the game. They had a good time and they’re very proud of me.”

And what comes next for the behemoth?

“Depending on what happens with the Stamps, I still have one year left with the Colts if I want to go back,” he said. “After that, just keep working and try to make the Stamps squad.”

MILT ON THE MOVE

Milt Collins, who’s playing strong-side linebacker in camp, still does a lot of the same things he did a year ago as the Stampeders’ safety. In fact, his responsibilities include so much pass coverage that he often goes through camp drills with the secondary.

There are times, however, that he’s reminded he’s longer a defensive back.

“Coming down and playing in the box, that’s the biggest adjustment,” said Collins. “I have to use my technique and get it right. That’s the most difficult part, but I’m going to get it done.

“As the SAM linebacker, you’re covering most of the time. The rest of the time, you’re in the box with the big guys. I have an additional role and I have to play it.”

Collins is no stronger to position switches — he was a receiver in college and only made the switch to defence when he turned pro.

Day 11 recap

Transactions

The Stamps added import defensive lineman Darrell Robertson and import offensive lineman Stanley Bryant and released import receiver Louis Givens.

Injuries

Import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee), non-import offensive lineman Matt Sheridan (back), non-import defensive lineman Fernand Kashama (hip pointer), import offensive lineman Edwin Harrison (knee), non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring), import linebacker Robert McCune (back), import receiver P.K. Sam (hamstring) and import defensive backs Johnnie Dixon (shin splints) and Jason Horton (groin) and non-import linebacker Karl McCartney (hip) did not practise and are day-to-day. Import running back Derek Watson (knee) missed the afternoon session and is day-to-day. Receiver Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) remains on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Thursday, June 17. Practices run from approximately 9:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

More coverage

>> Randy Chevrier blogs about the talent on Rookie Night
>> Feature story on Tim Hunt
>> Photo gallery: Outriders gear up for home-opener

Main Camp — Day 10

There was a new gunslinger in town Tuesday as former Toronto Argonauts quarterback Cody Pickett made his debut with the Stampeders.

Pickett was signed by Calgary after spending three years in Toronto and the early part of training camp with the Montreal Alouettes.

“It feels great to be here and be a part of a good organization,” said the University of Washington product after his first workout with the Red and White. “It went good. It’s going fast since they’re a week into camp, so I’m a week behind. But I feel like I can catch on pretty fast. Every time I get a chance, I’m going to try to do the best I can to be successful.”

Pickett is no stranger to Calgary — he saw action in both of the Argos’ visits to McMahon Stadium over the past two years and he often came here as a youngster.

“When I was younger, my dad rodeoed for a living and he came to Calgary every year,” he explained.

Obviously, he’d like to stick around town for a while.

“I’m just trying to come in to learn as fast I can and to try and support the guys in whatever way possible,” he said. “Whatever my role is, I’ll try to do the best I can.”

Head coach and general manager John Hufnagel was happy with Pickett’s first workout with the Stamps and likes what the pivot brings to the table.

“He has experience in the Canadian Football League,” noted Hufnagel, “and he was a successful quarterback in college. When I was in the (NFL) doing the draft, I evaluated Cody at that time and liked what I saw. He’s a very smart quarterback. He has a good throwing motion and he’s learned the CFL game. I’m sure he’ll be able to execute our game plan.”

ALL’S WELL WITH THELWELL

Even though he’s a 10-year CFL veteran, Ryan Thelwell admits he had butterflies before taking the field at McMahon Stadium on Tuesday.

“I was nervous,” said the receiver. “I was sitting at my locker with my playbook and I was actually feeling nervous.”

Tuesday was Thelwell’s first official workout with the club in camp after he was given the first week off to ensure everything was in good order with his off-season rehab from the Achilles tendon injury that ended his 2009 season.

“It feels great to actually go out there and compete again,” he said. “It’s something I haven’t done in a while and I’m excited.”

Head coach and general manager John Hufnagel was understandably happy to see No. 3 back on the field.

“He looks good and he looks fast,” he said. “Fresh legs and that stuff. He had an excellent morning practice.

“Ryan’s in good shape. He had done a lot of running in his rehab and in the first week of training camp, he ran on his own. Probably just a little bit of football shape is needed and he has a week-and-a-half to get it done.”

SECONDARY IS LOOKING GOOD

Defensive backs coach Corey Chamblin is dreading the decisions that will have to be made about the Stamps’ secondary between now and the end of training camp.

“
I’m impressed with the unit,” said Chamblin, who is entering his third season with the Red and White. “I know it’s a business and you have to make cuts, but it’s going to be a hard thing to do. Each one of the guys has a talent that fits our defence. But at the end of the day, they’ll settle the score about whether they’re going to make the team with their play this upcoming week.”

The defensive backs are a nice combination of veterans such as Brandon Browner, Dwight Anderson, Wes Lysack, Brandon Smith and Keon Raymond and newcomers like top draft picks Eric Fraser and Taurean Allen and import Johnnie Dixon, who returned an interception 82 yards for a touchdown Sunday in Edmonton.

“When you have a group of veteran guys, it brings competition on both ends,” said Chamblin. “You have a young guy who’s trying to compete with a vet and that allows him to grow because the vets already know the system.

“They’re already playing fast and that helps the young guys play faster. By the same token, the young guys with the young legs push the vets to play even faster because if the young guy does pick it up, then he may have his job.”

Dixon also used the expression “play fast” to describe Calgary’s performance against the Eskimos, but what exactly does the term mean?

“Playing fast means you know your assignment,” explained Chamblin. “When you know your assignment, you can adapt and that’s where the athletic ability takes over. Football is both mental and physical game. Before the snap, it’s a mental game. After the snap, that’s when the physical part takes over.”

Day 10 recap

Transactions

The Stamps added import defensive back Raymond Brown.

Injuries

Import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee), non-import offensive lineman Dan Comiskey (knee), non-import defensive lineman Fernand Kashama (hip pointer), import offensive lineman Edwin Harrison (knee) and import receiver P.K. Sam (hamstring) did not practise and are day-to-day. Non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring), non-import offensive lineman Rob Lazeo (rest) and import linebacker Robert McCune (back) missed the afternoon session. Receiver Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) remains on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Wednesday, June 16. Practices run from approximately 9:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Main Camp — Day 9

No fewer than 12 players caught passes in the Stampeders’ 23-21 victory over Edmonton on Sunday in pre-season action.

None of the dozen receivers has a story quite like Ron Kelly, who a year ago was playing senior football in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

“I was playing and I always wanted to get the opportunity to play in the CFL at some point,” said Kelly. “Now that I’m here, it’s a dream come true to be here living it. There’s nothing set in stone yet but I’m going to continue working hard every day and hopefully things work out.”

Kelly played an instrumental role in the win over the Eskimos as he made two catches, including a 36-yarder, on the game-winning drive.

“It definitely meant a lot,” said Kelly, who played university football at Saint Mary’s and Ottawa. “You always want to contribute in any way you can. That’s why you’re on this team.

“My first experience was a good one. In your CFL debut, it’s always good to come out with a win. The main thing for me was to go into the game and every time you break the huddle, to know your assignment and make sure you execute your assignment.”

HERE COME THE SONS

If bloodlines mean anything, the Stampeders are in great shape.

No fewer than four players at this year’s camp had fathers who played in the CFL including second-generation Stampeders Johnny Forzani (son of Tom) and Blaine Kruger (son of Harry). Matt Lambros’ father Mike was a linebacker with the Edmonton Eskimos while rookie receiver and return man Jonathan Lowe’s father Eddie played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Jonathan Lowe was five years old when his father wrapped up his career and can barely remember his time in Canada.

“Vaguely,” said the former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide. “I remember when Saskatchewan had some fan days and a few games. Mostly I learned about my father’s career from watching some tapes.”

Of course, Lowe would love to keep up the family tradition established my his father, who spent nine seasons in the league and was a CFL all-star in 1989.

“I’m working hard every day trying to get better, and having fun,” said Lowe. “I’m thankful for this opportunity.”

In addition to the four sons of CFLers in camp, offensive lineman Edwin Harrison is the grandson of Cal Jones, who played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1956.

GOOD NEWS FOR HARRISON

After initially expressing concern about the health of rookie offensive lineman Edwin Harrison, who was injured during Sunday’s game, head coach and general manager John Hufnagel was much more optimistic on Monday.

“Edwin Harrison’s prognosis is a lot better than I had anticipated,” said Hufnagel. “It turned from a four-to-six-week period to 10-14 days. And he’s ecstatic about it, too. The young man was very low yesterday, as you would expect.”

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Dwight Anderson
>> A video tour of the Stamps’ new locker-room

Main Camp — Day 7

The newbies will be front and centre for the Stampeders’ pre-season opener at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday.

While veterans such as Henry Burris, Mike Labinjo, Rob Lazeo, Ben Archibald, Tearrius George and Randy Chevrier will be making the trip, Joffrey Reynolds, Nik Lewis, Romby Bryant, Wes Lysack and Charleston Hughes are among those who will be sitting out to give the first-year players more of an opportunity to strut their stuff.

“It is a young lineup,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel after Saturday’s walkthrough at McMahon Stadium. “We need to do a good job of evaluating and give the guys a good chance to show what they can and can’t do. (With the inexperience of the lineup) it probably will not be the best-played game because of assignment mistakes but we’ll go up there with the intention of playing hard and trying to win a football game.”

Hufnagel says the players have been in camp long enough to have learned the nuts and bolts of the Stampeders system.

“They’ve been here for a week,” he remarked. “They understand the basics of our offence and defence and special teams. It’s going to be a simple game plan and I want to see who can make plays.

“No one plays a perfect game. I understand that and the playe
rs understand that, too. I just want to see them playing hard and playing fast and when they have a chance to make a play, to rise to the occasion. Players have been in competitive battles before. They’ve been in big games. They’ve been in a situation where they had to perform to win jobs. This is no different.”

Kickoff time on Sunday is 5 p.m. Stampeders.com will be providing live updates throughout the game and will provide full coverage after the final gun. The radio broadcast is AM770.

ON THE MARC

After sitting out most of the drills during the first week of camp, receiver Ryan Thelwell and linebacker Marc Calixte are expected to resume full activities next week.

Head coach and general manager John Hufnagel told the veterans to take it easy early in camp as a precautionary measure as both players dealt with injuries in 2009.

“I feel good,” said Calixte, who has excelled at special teams for many seasons with the Red and White. “I’m ready.”

The Laval, Que., product admits it wasn’t easy to watch from the sidelines in the early days of training camp.

“It was torture,” he said. “Mental torture. But you’re still staying concentrated and enthusiastic. When you know you can’t take part physically and you have to stay on the sidelines, it’s not easy. But day after day, you can still learn by watching.”

With the retirement of Jeff Pilon, Calixte is now the Stampeders’ elder statesman as he enters his eighth season in Calgary. Not that he’s attaching much significance to that particular fact.

“I don’t think that really matters whether you’ve been here for one year, two years or eight,” he said. “I understand the Calgary Stampeders system a little better because I’ve been here longer, but you have to work equally hard whether you’ve been for a long time or you’ve just arrived. That doesn’t change. You have to get yourself physically or mentally ready.”

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Juwan Simpson
>> Video: Feeding the Stamps at camp

Main Camp — Day 6

On the afternoon of Day 6 of main camp, the Stampeders mixed things up a little.

Instead of another session of drills and scrimmaging, the players put on the full pads, turned on the play clock, invited a few whistle-tooting officials and had themselves a simulated game.

“They were enthusiastic — a little overenthusiastic at one time — but they were playing hard,” was head coach and general manager John Hufnagel’s assessment of the mock contest. “The heat affected them and that’s why next week I’m hoping we get some hot days because after you’ve practised almost all week in some chilly weather and then you get some heat, it’s going to affect you. We have to improve our conditioning.”

Second-year receiver Jermaine Jackson was one of the standouts of the afternoon as he made several catches including a nice grab on a Drew Tate fade pass to the right sideline.

Some of the other notable moments from the game included a Brandon Browner interception, an acrobatic catch by Arjei Franklin, a long touchdown run by Rafael Little, a two-point conversion pass from Tate to Derek Watson and a scoring pass from Henry Burris to Deon Murphy.

“He’s been a good little player all camp,” Hufnagel said of Murphy. “He’s learning the offence — he’s had more than his share of mistakes — but he’s persevered. He has skill, he has speed and he has excellent return skills, which I hope is demonstrated in the pre-season game.”

The game included a brief tussle between veteran defensive back Dwight Anderson and rookie receiver Johnny Forzani. The players were quickly separated and downplayed the incident afterwards.

“Once I crossed that line (marking the outside of the field) it was over,” said Anderson. “I was kind of angry at myself that I let it get that far. I know I can’t let it get that far in the season because it’s going to cost us.”

“It’s just two competitive guys,” said Forzani. “Sometimes it gets a little out of hand, but that’s where it stops. You leave that stuff on the field.”

PIVOT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Quarterback Barrick Nealy, who first came to Calgary in 2006, has announced his retirement.

Nealy, a Dallas native, dressed for all 54 of the Stampeders’ games over the past three seasons but played sparingly behind starter Henry Burris.

With the addition of former BC Lions quarterback Zac Champion earlier this week, the Stamps still have three signal-callers in camp.

HOLDING THE LINE

What a difference a year makes. At training camp in 2009, the Stamps’ group of offensive linemen included 10 newcomers. A year later, veterans dominate the line as there are eight returning players.

One of the familiar faces is Tearrius George, who rejoined the Stamps in September of 2009 after attending camp with the Dallas Cowboys.

“It’s a big, big difference to be here from the start of the year,” said George. “You get a chance to gel with these guys form the get-go and lay the foundation together instead of coming in (during the season) and trying to catch up. You’re trying to get other players used to playing beside you and you’re trying to get used to playing beside them. Being in camp this year, it makes things a lot better.”

Playing on the defensive line in Calgary means listening to coach Cornell Brown’s enthusiastic style of teaching.

“Cornell’s already set the tone for the whole season,” said George with a chuckle. “From the very first day. He just loves the game, man. He’s really excited and he gets us pumped up.”

Day 6 recap

Transactions

Quarterback Barrick Nealy retired.

Injuries

Import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee), import defensive back Ronnie Amadi (quad), import receiver P.K. Sam (hamstring), non-import defensive lineman Miguel Robede (groin) and non-import offensive linemen Godfrey Ellis (knee) and Dan Comiskey (knee) did not practise and are day-to-day. Import defensive lineman Charleston Hughes (knee) took part in the morning pracice, but missed the afternoon session. Receivers Ryan Thelwell (Achilles), Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and linebacker Marc Calixte (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for walkthrough on Saturday, June 12 from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Rafael Little
>> Feature story on Milt Collins
>> Preview of Sunday’s pre-season contest in Edmonton
>> Sneak peek at Stamps’ latest TV commercial

Main Camp — Day 5

Mark Twain might have had the Stampeders training camp in mind when he declar
ed: “Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it.”

Calgary’s main camp started in fine fashion on Sunday with warm and sunny conditions but every day since has been either rainy or cold, except for days like Thursday when it was both rainy AND cold.

“Mentally, it’s challenging,” admitted quarterback Henry Burris. “You expect training camp to be nice and warm, but this has a different element to it. It allows the coaching staff and all of us to focus in on what we have to do and not let the elements get to us. It’s challenging, but it’s training camp and you need to be challenged in different ways. This is all part of the CFL.”

Head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased with the way his players have persevered and progressed in spite of the less than ideal conditions, to say the least, on Thursday morning.

“I liked how attentive our players were,” he said after the session. “They were focused and we got things accomplished.”

TUNE-UP TIME

The camp routine will be tweaked  tad on Friday as the Stamps will go through a mock game in the afternoon. The exercise serves as a dress rehearsal for Sunday’s pre-season opener at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.

Head coach and general manager says the staff is in the final stages of setting its player-selection strategy for the date with the Eskimos.

“We’re working on that,” he said. “We have a good understanding and feel of what we want to do in Edmonton and who we want to play.

“For the most part, it’ll be a younger, new-player game. We need to evaluate, we understand that. The first goal is to get a good evaluation. The second important thing to accomplish is to win the football game. We’re going up there with a lot of young, new guys and they’re going to play hard.”

A REFRESHING CHANGE

Rick Campbell, the newest member of the Stamps coaching staff, is enjoying working with the Red and White’s running backs after years of service as a defensive coach and special-teams coordinator.

“Personally, it’s been really good for me,” he said. “Being a ‘D’ coordinator and a special-teams coordinator and now moving to offence has been very good. It’s given me a real thorough understanding of the whole game and how the whole thing works. I feel fortunate to work with this offensive staff because they’re very experienced. They have a good plan here.

“It’s just different. I feel like I have a pretty good command of the subject matter on defence and special teams just because that’s what I’ve been doing. And I understand what’s happening on offence but I’ve got to really train my mind on the terminology and that sort of thing. It’s been good for me that way. I’m a little bit out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing.”

All the coaches work closely together, which means Campbell could be called upon to serve in advisory capacity in his old areas of expertise.

“(Special-teams coordinator Mark Kilam) has done a great job,” noted Campbell. “He’s very organized. I hope that through my experiences and being in the league for as long as I have that I can lend a helping hand.

“That’s another great thing about the culture here in Calgary — the coaches all want to work together. There aren’t any egos going on. The offensive staff will talk to the defence about things and they’ll ask us things. Same goes for special teams, where we all can contribute.”

As for his primary focus, Campbell is pleased with the Stamps’ fleet of running backs.

“It’s been a great group so far,” he said. :All four tailbacks and the three fullbacks are all hard workers. They’re competent and they understand what we’re trying to do. They’ve actually made my job easier because they listen in the meetings and there are very few mental busts happening out on the field. It’s been good for me as a new running backs coach.”

Day 5 recap

Transactions

Non-import offensive lineman Curtis Vizza was placed on the suspended list.

Injuries

Import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee), import defensive back Ronnie Amadi (quad), non-import offensive lineman Godfrey Ellis (knee) and import defensive lineman Charleston Hughes (knee) did not practise and are day-to-day. Non-import defensive lineman Miguel Robede (groin) and non-import offensive lineman Dan Comisky (knee) missed the afternoon session and are day-to-day. Receivers Ryan Thelwell (Achilles), Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and linebacker Marc Calixte (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Friday, June 10. Practice runs from approximately 9:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. and then the annual mock game takes place in the afternoon from approximately 3:50 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Dan Comiskey
>> Feature on Landan Talley

Main Camp — Day 4

Sometimes, it comes as soon as the second day. Other times, it sets in around Day 3. By Day 4, it’s a virtual epidemic.

It’s that time in training camp when football players hit the wall, when the grind of two-a-days results in general soreness and lifeless legs.

“It’s kind of the dog days of training camp right now, this being the fourth day of practice,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel. “The bodies are tearing down a little bit and we have to be careful about that. But we’ve still gotten some good work in today. The weather is not as nice as you would like it to be, but it stayed try and we got good work done.”

Well, it was dry in the morning at least. The rain came down in the afternoon and the coaches chose to cut the session short.

Day 4 marks the midway point between the start of main camp and Sunday’s pre-season opener at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.

“We’re pretty well on schedule,” said Hufnagel. “That game on Sunday is creeping up quickly.”

DIFFERENT WORLD FOR KILAM

When Mark Kilam was acting as the Stampeders’ linebackers and strength and conditioning coach, he took part in the good-natured ribbing of kickers.

“All the time,” he admitted with a smile. “All the time.”

Now that Kilam is the Red and White’s special-teams coordinator, the shoe is on the other kicking foot.

“You know what?” he said. “It’s been an adjustment and it’s been positive. My time management is a little bit different, obviously, and I’m not running around and cursing as much as I was before, but it’s been fun.”

Kilam says his approach is no different with kickers than it was with linebackers.

“I said to them from the first day, I’m goi
ng to coach them just like they were any other football player on this team,” he said. “The only difference is that they have a specialty. They’re football players who are going to contribute and I’m going to coach them that way.”

Kilam has a diverse group on his hands including sixth-year veteran punter Burke Dales, newcomer Warren Kean, who has limited CFL experience with Edmonton, and raw rookie Rob Maver.

“It’s been pretty good,” Kilam said of his charges. “Burke’s always there to help them out. He’s been around and he’s been a guy who was erratic in the past and now has really come into his own. It’s a good mentor/resource to have for those young guys.”

The battle between Kean and Maver for place-kicking duties has been an interesting one. During the kicking portion of practice, each kicker gets his own group of protectors, long-snapper and holder and the candidates take turns booting the ball through the uprights.

“I think they’re doing well,” said Kilam. “They’re competing just like everybody else here at training camp. We go neck-and-neck every day and every time they’re out there, that’s their show. It’s when they’re out there kicking in front of everybody, that’s what counts.”

MASCOTS ON THE RUN

The Stampeders tradition includes a magnificent animal that is known for its crowd-pleasing dashes.

Rookie offensive lineman Edwin Harrison, a graduate of the University of Colorado, knows a thing or two about the subject.

“Ralphie is our live buffalo,” said a grinning Harrison.

That’s right, a real live buffalo, or bison if you prefer. While Quick Six, the Stampeders’ Touchdown Horse, charges up and down the sideline after a Calgary score, a rumbling Ralphie leads the Colorado Buffaloes onto Folsom Field prior to every game.

“It was an experience that you really couldn’t put into words,” said Harrison. “It’s a lot of fun. When she starts running, you try to stay right behind her, never in front. It truly is a lot of fun and we had a really good time with her.

“We take a lot of pride in Ralphie and I’m sure she takes a lot of pride in what she’s doing for the school, for the fans and especially for the football team.”

There have been five different animals who have been Ralphie over the years. The original Buffs mascot was called Ralph — reminiscent of another Stampeders mascot — until someone noticed the bison was actually a female, so an “ie” was added to the end of the name. All the subsequent Ralphies have also been female.

The bison is accompanied onto the field by Ralphie Runners, a group of students who guide the bison on her horseshoe loop of the field. Well, as much as an animal that size can be guided.

“I’m telling you, sometimes, if you’re not careful, those guys will get dragged,” said Harrison. “There’s hats flying off, shirts starting to come undone. It is the real deal. You really have to see it. You have to be there to really appreciate it. It truly is an honour to be able to run behind her.

“I think she probably gets more attention than we do. Especially the guys on the other team because when we run out, she makes her loop because the pen she goes back into is on the visitors’ side.”

Day 4 recap

Transactions

None

Injuries

Import defensive linemen Eugene Kinlaw (knee) and Derrick Gray (hip), import defensive back Ronnie Amadi (quad), non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring) and non-import offensive lineman Curtis Vizza (knee) did not practice and are day-to-day. Non-import offensive lineman Godfrey Ellis (knee) and import defensive lineman Charleston Hughes (knee) missed the afternoon session and are day-to-day. Import defensive back Jason Horton (chest) missed the morning session, but returned for the afternoon practice. Receivers Ryan Thelwell (Achilles), Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and Ron Kelly (hip) and linebacker Marc Calixte (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Thursday, June 10. Practices run from 9:05 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Matt Lambros

Main Camp — Day 3

Quarterback Zac Champion, a former member of the BC Lions, took part in his first workout with the Red and White.

“It was a little bumpy today because it was my first day, but I’m excited to be here and to compete,” said Champion, a native of Birmingham, Ala. “I was just sitting at home hoping somebody would give me a shot. It was one of those things where you just never know. They called me and I basically shot up here the next day. It was that quick. I was surprised but excited.”

Though this is a new team for the Louisiana Tech product, he gets the benefit of the fact the Stampeders and Lions use similar offensive schemes.

“It’s already helped me,” he said. “Mainly what’s different is the wording and there are different little wrinkles but besides that, it’s pretty similar. You just have to adjust to the terminology and you’re good.”

Another comfort factor is the presence of quarterbacks coach Dave Dickenson, who during his playing career was an all-star passer for both Calgary and BC.

“He’s a great guy,” said Champion of Dickenson, “and I’m excited to be around him and to learn from him because obviously, he’s very knowledgeable.”

“He’s got a strong arm,” head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said of his newest pivot, “he’s very athletic and he’s been involved in a very similar offence. He’ll have this next week-and-a-half to show what he can do and then we can make an assessment of the end of the pre-season.”

MATT’S HOMECOMING

Another new face on the field Tuesday was receiver Matt Lambros. McMahon Stadium is a familiar place for Lambros, a Calgary native and Sir Winston Churchill High School alumnus.

“It’s nice to be back running around again and it’s nice to be back in my home city,” said Lambros, who was released by the Toronto Argonauts last week. “Practising on the field I grew up attending games at is something else.”

Lambros was a second-round pick of the Boatmen in 2009 and played three games in his rookie season before suffering a season-ending injury. The joint is healed now and he says he’s looking forward to contributing any way he can to his hometown club.

HE’S GOTT IT RIGHT

A year ago, offensive lineman Jon Gott was a rookie trying to get his bearings in the pro ranks. As a sophomore, he’s much more comfortable.

“It does make a difference because I understand the offence a lot better than last year coming into camp,” said Gott, a Lethbridg
e Collegiate Institude and Boise State alumnus. “It’s coming to me a lot easier and it’s coming back a lot quicker, too. So yeah, it’s a lot better camp than last year. It’s just nice to be back for my second season with the Stampeders.

While some first-year players get no further than the practice roster, Gott saw action in eight regular-season games plus the West Final.

“It helps because you understand what they want out of you, so you know what to expect the second time around,” said Gott, who appreciates the assistance he gets from his veteran colleagues. :It’s pretty much the whole group working together. Pretty much everyone is stepping up and helping each other out, to understand the whole offence and to help us be a better line.”

BETTER WAY TO COMMUNICATE

The CFL on Tuesday announced that the league is introducing radio-in-helmet technology for use in games.

The CFL also detailed how the headsets will be used:

    * Each team will have three separate radio-in-helmet units, one for each QB that dresses for games
    * Only one system is allowed to be “active” on field at any one time
    * Communication is one-way: the QB has a headset in his helmet but no microphone
    * Coaches on the sideline and in the team’s spotter’s booth atop the stands can communicate via the system
    * The device will be turned on once a team gains possession and turned off when there are ten seconds remaining on the play clock and the signal will not be switched back on until the play has been whistled dead by the officials
    * A league employee will handle this duty in stadium — the signal will be monitored and recorded in the Command Centre at CFL headquarters to ensure fair operation
    * The specially equipped helmets will be marked with an identifying decal

Stamps head coach and general manager John Hufnagel says the team is ready for the introduction of the technology.

“We have a one-game advantage because (previously) during a pre-season game against Edmonton, we experimented with the headsets for the league,” he said. “Everything went smoothly. I know that Dave Dickenson the play-caller is thrilled about having the headset because before, we communicated with signals and this makes it a lot easier.”

SAY “CHEESE”

In addition to the regular grind of two-a-days and meetings, the Stampeders players and coaches took part in photo day on Tuesday.

The Stamps had their pictures taken twice — once for team uses such as the media guide and the website and once by TSN for use of telecasts during the season.

Several players were selected to take part in the always-popular motion portraits, with entertaining results.

>> Video

Day 3 recap

Play of the day

Second-year running back Derek Watson ripped through a small hole in the line to turn in a very impressive run during the morning practice.

Transactions

The Stamps added quarterback Zac Champion, non-import receiver Matt Lambros and import defensive lineman Mike Landry. Import defensive back Mike Mickens was released.

Injuries

Import defensive linemen Eugene Kinlaw (knee) and Derrick Gray (hip), import defensive back Ronnie Amadi (quad), import receiver P.K. Sam (cold), non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring), import defensive back Jason Horton (chest) and import linebacker Chris Bowens (migraine) did not practice and are day-to-day. Receivers Ryan Thelwell (Achilles), Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and Ron Kelly (hip) and linebacker Marc Calixte (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Wednesday, June 9. Practices run from 9:05 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. to 6 p.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Blaine Kruger
>> Feature story on Rob Maver and Warren Kean

Main Camp — Day 2

Kris Sweet has some friendly advice for anyone concerned about the state of the Stampeders’ offensive line.

“Enjoy the game,” said Calgary’s offensive line coach. “Let me worry about it.”

Much has been made by others of the departures from the Red and White’s 2009 offensive line group but Sweet’s only focus is the players he has on hand. It’s an impressive collection of hogs that includes Ben Archibald, the West Division finalist for the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award a year ago, all-stars Rob Lazeo and Dan Comiskey, veteran newcomer Matt Sheridan, holdovers Tim O’Neill, Godfrey Ellis, Jon Gott and Steve Myddelton and rookies Sam Allen, Edwin Harrison and Oamo Culbreath.

Sweet has wasted no time setting the tone of this year’s camp.

“I didn’t think we played hard enough up front last year,” he remarked, “so I’m trying to get them to play with more effort, finish more plays, be more disciplined and be more sound.”

Regardless of pedigree or experience level, the offensive linemen can count on getting an earful from Sweet at some point during practice drills.

“I coach them all the same,” said Sweet, whose voice is already raspy from vocal exertion. “They all get coached the same. Everybody’s fair game and everybody is treated the same. They all have the same expectations. When they’re out here, they’re expected to play and they’re expected to perform.”

They may never admit it, but the big men would likely be disappointed if the animated coach wasn’t getting in their face on a daily basis.

“How do I expect them to come out and play hard and be excited if I don’t have a bunch of energy?” reasoned Sweet.

“I demand more from them than most coaches do because I expect more out of them. I’m not ever going to pull up, they know that. But they also know at the same time that I’m trying to get them ready to play and to play with confidence so that they feel they can go out and dominate anybody. That’s why we go as hard as we do. It’s never good enough and they know that. They also know it’s not personal, I’m just trying to make them better.”

BURRIS FEELS WELL PROTECTED

Speaking of the men in the trenches, one of the guys who relies heavily on the offensive line likes what he sees in front of him.

“If you look at a couple of years ago when we brought in (Dimitri) Tsoumpas and (Jesse) Newman, it’s kind of the same situation but in a different way,” said quarterback Henry Burris. “These two (new) guys are proven in Matt Sheridan and Dan Comiskey.

“Trust me,” he continued, “I feel comfortable when I’m out there behind those guys. You’ve got a big body on my left side with Sheridan and I played with Comiskey in Saskatchewan and he’s also a big man. We’ve already built a great relationship here (at the start of camp) and we have a lot of respect for what one other have done in our careers. We look forward to going out there and slugging it out together.

M
AN IN THE MIDDLE

The battle for the linebacker is a three-way affair between Juwan Simpson, Robert McCune and Greg Trent and the competition figures to be fierce.

“The players at the Mike position,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel, “they’re competing and it’s going to be a battle. They’re good athletes. I think (the player who will the middle linebacker job) is in camp and the two pre-season games will dictate the winner.”

DAY 2 RECAP

Play of the day

Speedy second-year receiver Deon Murphy found a seam in the coverage during the morning practice, hauled in a deep pass in stride and made an interrupted dash into the end-zone.

Transactions

The Stamps added non-import offensive lineman Curtis Vizza and released import quarterback Dennis Brown. Non-import defensive lineman Osie Ukwuoma has retired and non-import receiver Ron Kelly has been placed on the disabled list.

Injuries

Import defensive linemen Eugene Kinlaw (knee), Derrick Gray (hip) and DeVone Claybrooks (finger), non-import offensive linemen Godfrey Ellis (lower body) and Matt Sheridan (upper body) and import defensive back Ronnie Amadi (quad) did not practice and are day-to-day. Import receiver P.K. Sam (cold) and import defensive back Jason Horton (chest) missed the afternoon session and are day-to-day. Receivers Ryan Thelwell (Achilles) and Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and linebacker Marc Calixte (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Tuesday, June 8. Practices run from 9:05 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. to 6 p.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Brandon Smith
>> Feature story on Karl McCartney

Main Camp — Day 1

The Stampeders took the field for the opening of main camp on Sunday and  head coach and general manager John Hufnagel was generally pleased with what he witnessed.

“I saw a lot of enthusiasm,” said Hufnagel after the morning session. “I saw a lot of athleticism out there and guys working hard. It really was an excellent first practice.

“We’re just trying to learn the basics right now. We will be a little bit accelerated at the end of this week to get the players who are going to Edmonton (on June 13 for the pre-season opener) ready to play a football game.”

The boss was equally pleased with the afternoon practice, although he did note that the quarterbacks were more accurate in the morning session. There were far more positives than negatives, however.

“I like our two new veterans on the offensive line,” said Hufnagel, referring to Dan Comiskey and Matt Sheridan. “I thought they did a nice job. They were able to move the line of scrimmage. Our defence was very athletic. Our receivers were making nice plays down the field and I like how Drew (Tate) threw the football. There were a lot of good things.”

BIG DADDY’S BACK

Back in the ’90s, if you wanted to get Marvin Pope’s attention, a loud and clear cry of “Big Daddy” would do the trick.

“Yeah, especially Peewee Smith,” laughed Pope. “He was always calling me ‘Big Daddy.’ ”

During the current Calgary training camp, however, Pope is answering to a different name.

“For some reason, it’s ‘Coach’ now,” he said with a chuckle. “It sounds a little different, but it sounds good.”

Pope, a two-time West Division all-star linebacker with the Stamps during a six-year playing career that ended in 1997, is serving as a guest linebackers coach during camp.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s my first time out at a professional camp in this position, so I’m learning a lot. The last two or three years, I wanted to get back into football. I talked to Huff and he said there might be an opportunity here for me to guest-coach and so I’m here now.”

He’s encountered a few familiar faces at McMahon in equipment manager George Hopkins and director of medical services Pat Clayton.

“Patty and Geo are still here and they’re still the same,” he said. “Patty is no-nonsense and Geo is Geo. Actually, I’ve been seeing Patty for the last eight months now because I’ve had two hip surgeries and Patty’s been my therapist.”

For the general public, Pope’s most well-known post-football activity was a stint in professional wrestling, but he’s since taken up more genteel pursuits.

“Right now, I’m working with Platinum Equities and working with kids and trying get them down in the States with CSA Prep Star,” he reported. “They get kids recruited to go to U.S. colleges.”

Though it’s been 13 years since he patrolled a CFL field, Pope says the linebacking position hasn’t changed.

“You’ve got to move, you’ve got to run and you’ve got to tackle,” he said. “That’s the best part of it right there.”

In fact, during his first day as a guest coach, Pope says he momentarily had a flashback to his playing days.

“For a second, I felt like going out there and hitting somebody,” he joked. “But I didn’t have any helmet or shoulder pads. So I just decided I would stay out of the way so I wouldn’t get hurt.”

During rookie camp, the former linebacker noted that none of the players he was working with was likely to be old enough to know who Marvin Pope is. Perhaps that’s true but the name surely evokes many pleasant memories for longtime Stamps fans.Sam_100606.jpg

“Hopefully, they remember,” said Pope. “I had a lot of fun then and I’m having a lot of fun now.”

SAM’S THE MAN

Receiver P.K. Sam, an off-season acquisition from the Toronto Argonauts, made a favourable first impression on his first day of work as Stampeder.

“I’ve really enjoyed how quickly he’s picked up a new offence,” said head coach/general manager John Hufnagel. “He acts like he’s been here for a couple of years. He knows what he’s doing and he’s a very intelligent young man. He’s tall, he’s strong and he has good speed.

“There was an example this morning where he ran an out route and the DB was right on him, but he just used his size and body to make the play. That will be a benefit.”

DAY 1 RECAP

Play of the day

Rookie Ronald Keels made the highlight catch of the first day as he outjumped his opponent to make a spectacular grab.

Transactions

The Stamps added non-import fullback Guillaume Senecal and import linebacker Greg Trent.

Injuries

Non-import defensive lineman Osie Ukwuoma (knee) and import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee) both missed the afternoon practice and are day-to-day. Non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring) missed both practices and is day-to-day. Receivers Ryan Thelwell (Achilles) and Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) and linebacker Marc Calixte (knee) remain on the disabled list.

Schedule

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Monday, June 7. Practices run from 9:05 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

More coverage

>> Locker-Room Blog by Ben Archibald
>> Video
>> Photo gallery