Winless Redblacks visit fifth-place Stampeders Saturday night
Calgary sits four points out of a playoff spot in the West Division as Ottawa's McLeod Bethel-Thompson makes his first start of the season against the Stampeders.
The Calgary Stampeders (5-8) host the Ottawa Redblacks (0-12) on Saturday night, with both teams badly needing a win. Ottawa has lost 18 straight games dating back to 2025, a CFL modern-era record, and was eliminated from playoff contention last week after a 26-23 road loss to Toronto. Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who replaced starter Jake Maier in that game and threw for 192 yards and a touchdown, will make his first start of the season.
Calgary sits fifth in the West Division, four points behind the third-place Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions, both at 7-6. The Stampeders can still reach the playoffs by finishing third in the West or fourth with more points than the East's third-place team. They are coming off a lopsided 53-16 loss to the Edmonton Elks in which starter Vernon Adams Jr. threw two first-half interceptions and Edmonton scored a touchdown off a blocked punt.
Defensive lineman Clarence Hicks recorded two sacks against Edmonton, giving him a CFL-high 11 for the season, and receiver Reggie Begelton played his first game since a June 2025 knee injury, catching two passes for 25 yards. After Saturday's game, Calgary plays Ottawa again on Sept. 26 before finishing the regular season against Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and B.C.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.