Drew Tate will be under centre for Stampeders in CFL West semifinal

CALGARY – Drew Tate will get the start at quarterback for Calgary when the Stampeders host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL West semifinal.

The Stampeders announced the decision in a handout given to media before the team’s practice. Coach John Hufnagel had said previously he wanted to end speculation early on whether Tate or veteran Kevin Glenn would get the start.

Tate, a 28-year-old from Baytown, Texas, started the season as Calgary’s undisputed No. 1.

A shoulder dislocation of his non-throwing arm in his second regular-season game, and subsequent surgery, sidelined Tate for 14 of 18 games.

He opted for surgery in July, and wasn’t expected to return before the post-season. But he recovered quicker than planned and played portions of the final two games of the regular season, showing no indication he’d returned to action prematurely.

Before Glenn went in for the second half, Tate completed 11 of 15 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the regular season finale Friday versus Edmonton.

In his first game back from injury Oct. 26 versus the Lions, Tate rotated series with Glenn. Tate was picked off on a pass attempt, but threw to Nik Lewis for a touchdown on his very next play. He finished 5-for-7 and 68 yards.