BY ARASH MADANI
sportsnet.ca
It appears the Calgary Stampeders have found their solution to their vacancy at backup quarterback.
Sportsnet has learned that CFL veteran pivot Michael Bishop is expected to sign with the Stamps as early as Monday, replacing Drew Tate, who dislocated his left, non-throwing, shoulder late in Friday night's exhibition game against Edmonton.
The 35-year-old is currently being held back in Houston due to an expired passport.. Bishop hopes to get his documents in order by Monday so he can report to Calgary as soon as possible.
The longtime Toronto Argonauts quarterback had stints with Saskatchewan in 2008 and Winnipeg in 2009. Bishop last started -- and played -- a CFL game on Nov. 8, 2009 in Winnipeg's season finale loss to Hamilton.
Bishop suddenly became of interest to Calgary after Tate went down in the in the preseason finale. The Stampeders were awaiting results of an MRI to know how long Tate will remain out.
"Things happen and you get an opportunity to play," said Bishop, in a phone interview from Texas late Saturday night. "I've never closed the door. It's something I love to do. You keep every day open because you never know when an opportunity is going to knock.
"I don't know what happened to Tate. I just know he's injured. I'm coming in with an open mind, to be prepared and when my number is called, step in."
The Kansas State product was first tipped off of the potential opportunity in Calgary when former Toronto teammates sent him text messages Saturday afternoon. That was hours after Calgary's management team had already begun brainstorming on potential options to replace Tate, who the Stampeders gave a contract extension to in the off-season.
It was only after talks with Calgary became serious that Bishop realized his passport had expired.
"I hadn't looked at it in almost two years," he said, sheepishly.
It is believed that the experienced candidates discussed to replace Tate were Cody Pickett, Casey Printers, Chris Leak and Jason Maas. At some point, the Stamps management would likely have examined the quarterbacks they expected would be released league-wide at 4 p.m. ET Saturday, when CFL team rosters were set.
A Stampeders spokesman said John Hufnagel, the team's head coach and general manager, would update the quarterback situation at his next media availability Monday.
"I understand the (starter) is Henry (Burris). He is a great guy, a great player. I'm going to come in and take reps and enjoy the ride and be prepared to play," said Bishop.
Though he has missed a full season, Bishop said he has kept in shape, training and throwing with other CFL, Arena League and UFL players.
"You never know when it's going to happen, but when it does happen, you go after it," said Bishop. "I hope to get my passport renewed with same-day service Monday, and once I get taken care of, I'll be on the next flight to Calgary."
