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That was largely precautionary, but Michel is almost certain to be in Thursday’s lineup.

“Marken’s available,” said Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson. “We’re trying to figure that out because of our ratios and all that, but he’s available. He looked pretty good in practice, and it’s exciting to have him back on the field.”

It’s a little hard to know how the Stampeders are going to line up on offence against the Redblacks this week, largely because Canadian offensive lineman Spencer Wilson may not be available.

American Justin Renfrow would seem to be the most likely replacement should Wilson not be able to play, which might force a little mixing and matching.

But if Michel is available, fans will get a first look at the team’s high-powered receiving group when they’re fully healthy.

When Michel played in Week 1, Lemar Durant wasn’t in the lineup and Eric Rogers wasn’t fully fit. If everyone’s ready to go and feeling close to 100%, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is going to have a scary number of weapons at his disposal.

CUT THEM OUT

While the Stampeders pulled off a 24-14 win over the Redblacks when the two teams met on June 28, it was by no means a perfect performance from the home team at McMahon Stadium.

As they prepare to face off in Ottawa, there’s been a heavy emphasis on staying disciplined during Stampeders practices and meetings this week.

In their first meeting, the Stamps took 14 penalties for 150 yards, after all, and they know they can’t afford to have that happen again.

“Just a lot of (the work this week) has to do with penalties and just focusing,” Dickenson said. “We really looked poor in our motions and our focus. We had some poise penalties where we lost our poise, and we certainly weren’t adjusting to snap counts.

“Practice is one thing, (but in a game), if you make a mistake you’ve got to reload. You can’t keep making the same mistake.”

daustin@postmedia.com

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