Injuries have played a major role in the 2012 season for the Calgary Stampeders and the offensive line has been no exception as Edwin Harrison, Steve Myddelton and Na’Shan Goddard have all missed extensive time.

Centre Jon Gott, however, looks on the bright side with Calgary on a three-game winning streak and the Stamps only two points behind the West Division-leading BC Lions.

“We’re just starting to gel now,” said Gott, who is in his fourth season with the Stamps. “As an o-line, you need to form a bond to get used to each other.”

With the amount of injuries the line has sustained, achieving that familiarity has been a gradual process.

“It’s tough when there’s new guys every week,” he said. “You don’t know how there going to play or where they going to be.”

In times of uncertainty, Gott found himself relying on familiar teammates such as fifth-year veteran Dimitri Tsoumpas.

“You have to rely on guys who have played to help lead,” he said, “but after a while, you mesh and now we’re all playing real well.”

Spencer Wilson, who came off the practice roster when injuries depleted the unit, has been one of the contributors.

“He’s doing a great job,” said Gott. “With all the injuries that happened, he’s stepped up. He’s doing a great job so far.”

Gott says the Stamps won’t be taking Friday’s game lightly as the 2-8 Winnipeg Blue Bombers come to town.

“If you watch any film on Winnipeg,” he said, “their record does not show how good they play. Their record does not give them enough credit. It’s going to be a tough game — they play sound defence, they’re strong and they fly around. We have to go out there and have our assignments on key with no mistakes.”

By the way, if you have seen Gott with his helmet off recently, you know there is plenty of reason to fear the beard. The veteran o-lineman began growing it at the beginning of the season and has no plans to alter his appearance until the end of the year, hopefully with a Grey Cup championship to his credit.

“The beard is getting a lot of conditioner,” he chuckled. “I’ve got to comb it out — can’t get no knots in there.”

The bearded big man is also a recent newcomer to the world of Twitter. Although he was initially a little hesitant to join, Gott is now enjoying the experience.

“Tsoump was always telling how funny he is on there so I said I’d try it,” said Gott. “I can’t get off now — it’s going good.”