Stamps coach happy to turn to veteran returner
Calgary Stampeders head coach and GM John Hufnagel doesn’t have a crystal ball in his office or a clairvoyant he consults on a regular basis.
But it certainly appears that way with his decision to sign veteran kick returner Jason Armstead to t he team’s practice roster two weeks ago, prior to the events in Sunday’s loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
With returner/receiver LaMarcus Coker with a hamstring injury, it’s looking like Armstead, who signed with the Stamps when return specialist Larry Taylor suffered a knee injury on Sept. 7 against Edmonton, is going to play Friday against the visiting Eskimos.
“Jason is a veteran returner,” said Hufnagel Wednesday after indicating Coker would be out for an extended period of time with a hamstring injury. “That’s why we wanted to put him on the practice roster when Larry went down to have insurance if we were having trouble fielding the ball or another returner went down.
“You need to protect yourself. Jason was available and I was very pleased he was available.”
So, signed on Sept. 12 specifically for emergency use only, Armstead is being put to work quicker than expected. But he knows the drill. “Over the course of my career, it’s been one of those deals where you get a phone call at this time of the year to come in,” said the well-travelled, nine-year CFL soldier who has dressed for six teams including the Stampeders and seven including the now-defunct Ottawa Renegades. “It’s just one of those things.
Over his career, he’s recorded 13,812 yards and 24 touchdowns in 106 games played. The last time Armstead had punt and kick returning duties was Nov. 4, 2011, against Saskatchewan when he was with the Eskimos — the same group coming to McMahon Stadium on Friday night.
So, yes, there was a time when he used to wear a green and gold jersey.
But he’s also worn a green one. And a black and yellow one. And a blue and gold one. And a blue and burgundy one. You get the picture. “At the same time, I’m wearing red and black now,” Armstead said. “So, whoever is the opposing team is just the luck of the draw.
“It’s one of those things you’ve been patiently been waiting to come out and compete and play football again.”