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So yeah, it’s a big game.

No matter what, though, the Stampeders’ next game is even bigger. If there’s even a risk of making bumps and bruises worse, you have to wonder if it’s not worth just resting some of your starters and hoping the Stamps’ backups can get the job done.

“It has entered my mind,” Dickenson said after Thursday’s frigid practice at McMahon Stadium. “You guys know me well enough, I haven’t made up my mind on who is playing yet. I really haven’t.

“I want the best lineup but I have to be smart and I’ve got to make sure the guys out there can finish the game, play well and win the game, but I need as many guys feeling as good as possible. Right now, it’s a challenge but we’ll make that call as a group and come up with a good lineup.”

Over and over again this week, Dickenson and the Stampeders have insisted that regardless of who plays, the goal is to win.

Fielding an inexperienced lineup doesn’t change the expectations. When the active roster for Saturday’s game is released Friday morning, nobody should believe the Stamps are throwing up a white flag and forfeiting if there happen to be some unfamiliar names in key positions.

Nowhere is that more likely than the defensive backfield, where the Stamps could conceivably be without Roberson – the team’s nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Amos and Royce Metchie.

“Next man up,” said Stamps veteran Jamar Wall. “Things happen. Injuries happen. If you’re here, you’ve got to be ready to play all the time. It’s the CFL, injuries occur and we don’t expect anything less. Everything we do throughout the year, you’re expected to know.