By Bryce Forbes
Stampeders.com

Receiver Greg Carr didn’t have to spend too much time in the unemployment line.

After being released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders just last week, the import receiver joined the Calgary Stampeders’ practice squad on Monday.

“Anytime it happens so fast, you know as a player that people respect what you’ve done or are capable of doing,” said Carr after his first official practice with his new squad. “When I got the opportunity, I’m just thankful because in some situations, guys have sat out seasons waiting.” 

The Reddick, Fla., native is in his fourth season north of the border and is almost through playing for each team west of Ontario. He started off with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2010, developing into a strong deep-ball target for the Blue Bombers, catching 77 balls for 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns in two seasons. He joined the Edmonton Eskimos as a free agent the following year, and was traded partway through the season to the Roughriders. 

In his only appearance this campaign with the Green and White, Carr caught one ball for five yards.

As a practice-roster player, Carr realizes he’ll be in tough to break into the deep wide receiver corps the Stamps own.

“You’re just in awe at times as a player because you see how talented these guys are,” Carr said. “There are things that these guys are doing so you just want to come in and try to fit in as best as you can.”

Head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said Carr was brought in to get a closer look at the six-foot-six receiver.

“Greg is an experienced receiver with great size,” Hufnagel said. “He’s had success before. With the opportunity of the extra practice roster spot, we brought him to see what he can provide and see where he’s at with his skills. It’s just an opportunity to get a closer look at him.”