Brad Sinopoli could have folded in his tent last year and walked away from the game he loves when he was cut from the Calgary Stampeders last season.

An injury to Drew Tate opened up a spot for Sinopoli to draw back in to the lineup as the third option for quarterback, but it also set him on a journey that would see him playing a pivotal role at receiver for the Stampeders road win in Montreal Friday night.

Having made the decision during the off-season to convert from his natural position of quarterback to receiver, Sinopoli is embracing the new lease he has on his career.

“Quarterbacking will always be my first love, but that’s in the past now. This is where I am now, playing receiver,” says the six-foot-three sideline target on a mild Montreal night after a win.

“I just wanted to go out there and make a few plays; try to fit in.”

Fitting pieces in to gaps is something the Stampeders are beginning to master.

Much like last year’s team quickly became a sort of walking wounded corps; this year’s team has seen its fair share of injuries.

But with those injuries come opportunities for those players waiting in the wings, patiently waiting for their chance to help the team and prove their worth.

“We went through some stuff coming out here with guys getting injured,” says veteran plug-in Kevin Glenn – a guy well acquainted with having to fill in for injured comrades. “And then you have a guy like Brad Sinopoli, who didn’t even know he was playing until two days ago, coming out and making some big catches.”

Sinopoli drew in to Friday’s lineup after one of this season’s early standouts, Maurice Price, came up lame in practice. Price’s big-play ability left a large pair of cleats to fill. Luckily Sinopoli is a big guy both physically and figuratively.

A highlight-reel, one-handed snag in the third quarter – good for 42 yards no less – announced that the former Hec Crighton award winner had arrived on the receiving scene.

“He’s catching the ball in the darker part of the field, fighting for yards and extending the drive,” says Stampeders head coach and GM John Hufnagel. “I was very pleased with Brad’s game.”

Glowing praise from his peers and coach are reward for what was no doubt a tough transition for the lanky athlete.

Canadian quarterbacks are in tough to crack, let alone lead, an offensive squad. Sinopoli learned this tough lesson when he was cut last year, but he never gave up the belief that he could still be a valuable football player.

“I mean, personally, you just have to always keep believing in yourself, and I always did,” says Sinopoli.

“I was lucky enough to come back and I want to make the most of it. Hopefully I did tonight.

“I could sit and dwell on the fact that I’m not a quarterback, but that’s not the case. I’m a receiver, so I’m just moving forward playing receiver.”

While he will be the first to tell you there are no guarantees, Sinopoli will  be sure to do all in his power to make the coaches know he’s ready to play.

“It’s just a matter of taking advantage of your opportunities, and I’m learning as I go.”