The Calgary Stampeders don’t have a game this week, but that doesn’t mean they have the week off. 

Roster improvements never stop in the CFL. Whether performance or injury-driven, teams are always looking to improve. 

The Stampeders are no exception. 

Recent Moves

The Stampeders recently re-signed national long snapper Jason MacGougan. 

That move was necessary due to he injury to veteran national long snapper Aaron Crawford. In week two, Crawford’s leg was injured so badly that he could barely walk. But he dug deep and managed to finish the game. 

Now, with Crawford on the six-game injury list, MacGougan will take over for the foreseeable future. MacGougan isn’t a stranger in Calgary; he spent training camp and the preseason with the Stampeders.

Prior to their week 3 loss to the Redblacks, the Calgary Stampeders also added two Americans to the practice squad. 

Offensive lineman William Barnes rejoins the team after spending the preseason in Calgary. Barnes provides the team with versatility, having played both guard and tackle in college.

Linebacker Morice Blackwell Jr. joins the team after failing to catch on in the NFL. Blackwell Jr. recently attended NFL mini-camps with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.

These three signings were noteworthy, but not nearly as big as the most recent signing. 

Big News on the Bye Week

The Calgary Stampeders made a big move, signing veteran American Adam Bighill to the practice squad. 

Calling Bighill a veteran feels like an understatement. He’s appeared in 191 regular-season games in the CFL over 12 seasons. The playmaking linebacker has a long, documented history of success in the league. 

• 3-time Most Outstanding Defensive Player
• 8-time West Division All-star
• 6-time league All-Star
• 1,010 total tackles 
• 3 Grey Cup rings

Bighill’s signing wasn’t random; the Stamps are actively looking to add depth at LB. 

Why Linebacker Depth Matters

Marquel Lee started the season off strong. He was the Calgary Stampeders’ leading tackler in week 1 (10 tackles). Lee was also off to a strong start in week two with 5 tackles before getting injured. 

He’s now on the six-game injury list. Lee’s injury left a big hole in the Stampeders’ defense. It will be interesting to see if Bighill or Blackwell Jr. can fill it. 

More Moves to Come?

The season is young, so there may be more moves to come for the Stampeders. 

The wide receive

r position is one to keep an eye on. Star receiver Reggie Begelton is on IR with a broken leg. So far, the Stampeders have been happy to stick with the receivers they have left. However, they may bring in another receiver at some point.