Stampeders sign veteran OL Tyler Packer as injuries hit the offensive line

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders opened their practice week ahead of Saturday's trip to Winnipeg with a banged-up offensive line, and responded by adding a veteran reinforcement.

The Stampeders signed National offensive lineman Tyler Packer on Tuesday. The Calgary native was a sixth-round pick (51st overall) of the BC Lions in the 2021 CFL Draft and made 14 starts in 19 appearances over four seasons in Vancouver. Packer played 37 games for the University of Calgary Dinos, winning the 2019 Vanier Cup, and previously suited up for the Calgary Hilltoppers and Notre Dame High School.

The Stampeders also released American offensive lineman Kamar Missouri. Missouri joined the team's practice roster on Sept. 14 and did not see any game action.

The move comes with Brad Ashmore (foot) and Zack Williams (ankle) still sidelined on Wednesday's Mayfair Diagnostics injury report, though Bryce Bell (shoulder) was a full participant.

Defensive lineman Daniel Joseph (knee) was upgraded to limited, while linebacker Eric Rascoe (hamstring) sat out again. Receiver Jalen Philpot (foot) practised fully after being limited Tuesday, while Ajou Ajou (neck) remained limited.

New to the report: receiver Reggie Begelton (knee) did not practise Wednesday, and defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade (illness) also sat out.

Defensive lineman Elijah Hills (ankle) and offensive lineman Preston Nichols (pectoral) were full participants for the second straight day. Hills missed Friday's win at Saskatchewan despite practising full all week, while Nichols had been listed as questionable.

The Stampeders (8-8) visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday at 5 p.m. MT.