Stamps punter Grace feeling ‘fresh’ for season debut

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Heading into their second game of the season against the Edmonton Elks on Thursday night, the Calgary Stampeders are getting back Cody Grace, arguably the best punter in the Canadian Football League.

Grace, an Australian that Calgary selected seventh overall in the 2021 CFL Global Draft, missed the first three games of the Stampeders’ season after injuring a groin during training camp.

The Stamps then tabbed another Aussie kicker, Jimmy Smith, to fill in for Grace.

Smith, who Calgary acquired from the Saskatchewan Roughriders before their first game, more than held his own. In three games, Smith was extremely effective in pinning opposing kick returners deep, and his kicks often had enough hang time to allow his teammates to get to the ball quickly. In his short time with the Stampeders, Smith impressed teammates and coaches alike. 

“Jimmy helped us win games and we were happy to have him,” head coach Dave Dickenson said.

Dickenson considered putting Smith on the team’s practice roster, but with kicker Keiran Burnham a part of that group, there was no room for Smith. After Saskatchewan called Calgary about reacquiring Smith, the Stampeders sent Smith back to Regina on Monday.

Grace, meanwhile, is anxious to make his 2022 CFL season debut after a stellar rookie campaign where he was a West Division all-star with a net punting average of 41.5 yards.

“I’m feeling fresh,” the 26-year-old Grace said after practice this week. “This week’s been productive for me, so feeling confident and should be good to go.”

Last season, the brawny Arkansas State product ­– who’s built more like a linebacker with his 6-foot-2, 257- pound frame – emerged as one of the most effective players at his position. As a rookie, his