Begelton aspires to make a difference for Calgary

Whether Eric Rogers plays or not, Reggie Begelton is going to have an opportunity to prove his worth.

After a rookie season that got started late because of an injury, the 24-year-old is coming into his second year with the Stampeders with aspirations of proving he’s a top CFL receiver.

The arrival of Rogers, who signed last week after two years in the U.S. chasing his NFL dreams and recovering from a knee injury, means Begelton is going to need to find a role in a deep Stampeders receiving group.

He’s not shying from that challenge, though, and with Rogers’ availability still questionable heading into Saturday’s season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Begelton knows he’s got a chance to show the world that he’s ready to take a leap

“I’m looking at it as a point of emphasis to show that I’m that guy you can depend on,” Begelton said.

Rogers was officially listed on the Stampeders roster for Saturday’s game (5 p.m., McMahon Stadium), but it’s unclear how much he’ll play — or whether he’ll play at all. Rogers missed all of training camp, after all.

On Friday, it was hard to get a strong read on what Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson’s plan was for Rogers.

“He’s on the (46-man roster), I’ll give you that,” Dickenson said. “Other than that, (we’ll) see, as well as the other guys. I do expect to have a real tough decision.”

GOOD START

With Julan Lynch fighting to get back from what’s believed to be a hamstring injury, rookie Richard Sindani is set to make his CFL debut at receiver for the Stampeders on Saturday.

That’s amazing, especially when you consider that Sindani was widely expected to return to the University of Calgary Dinos program for his final year of eligibility.

Even Dickenson admitted he was a little surprised.

“(Sindani’s) done a good job, he earned it,” Dickenson said.

STAMPS NOTEBOOK

Charleston Hughes got the 100th sack of his CFL career on Friday while playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Of course, 99 of those came with the Stamps … As he told us on Thursday, Ja’Gared Davis is out of the lineup for Saturday ’s game but should be back next week. In his place, James Vaughters gets the start … Look out for Folarin Orimolade. That’s all.