sad to see him go but i guess he didn't want to sit on the PR, he will be on an AR very soon...maybe Calgary with the Begelton injury?
The @Wpg_BlueBombers bring back long snapper Ian Leroux, release WR Reggie White, Jr
that was from Ed Tait
Not great news. Lost some depth and Benson must be hurt medium term?
Tait: Mike Benson exited the game with an injury. FYI, if Benson is out long-term the club may look to bring back Ian Leroux
So I guess that is the case. Surprised it was White going. Kind of feeling that D. Mitchell is here for a long time now. Hopefully he rewards the coaches who kept him.
Anyone remember who our next best receiver from camp was? A guy we cut but might bring back if we have further injuries?
Not surprised they brought back Leroux with the injury to Benson. Whether that is short or long term it wasn't a bad idea. Benson will end up on IR but we don't know if it's 1 game or 6 game. IMO it will be 6 game. Unfortunate.
Releasing White I didn't anticipate directly but OTOH, I don't know we'll keep all the 1 game IR players on the injury list indefinitely. We see some further shuffling or additions.
We have 2 or 3 spots open on PR depending on whether we shuffle Weitz back to the PR this week.
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 16, 2025, 12:36:31 PMAnyone remember who our next best receiver from camp was? A guy we cut but might bring back if we have further injuries?
That would be Myron Mitchell but we have Case and D. Mitchell here already so I think that's still one more injury away.
Blue Bombers Transactions - June 16,2025
WINNIPEG, MB., June 16, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:
Added to practice roster:
National long snapper Ian Leroux (6-1, 225, Laval)
Released from practice roster:
American receiver Reggie White Jr.
We knew someone had to go if Leroux had to return.
Quote from: Pigskin on June 16, 2025, 04:02:34 PMWe knew someone had to go if Leroux had to return.
I don't think that is correct. PR is 13 if you have 2 globals on the PR. Our PR was only 11 with 1 global so I think we had PR room for 1 more non global.
If Benson is injured then Leroux will be added to the AR this week in theory. Gauthier and Novak both have experience but Leroux has that more specific talent.
I am curious, with the rugby/aussie rules, there is no "long snapper", but they do have guys that make that similar motion, has any global ever been looked at as a LS?
Is it something we can train a Global to do?
I remember the story about Cvetkovitch getting his camp invite using someone elses game film (when film was film, and grainy) and faking it until he made it, and had a long career...
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2025, 12:39:48 PMNot surprised they brought back Leroux with the injury to Benson. Whether that is short or long term it wasn't a bad idea. Benson will end up on IR but we don't know if it's 1 game or 6 game. IMO it will be 6 game. Unfortunate.
Releasing White I didn't anticipate directly but OTOH, I don't know we'll keep all the 1 game IR players on the injury list indefinitely. We see some further shuffling or additions.
We have 2 or 3 spots open on PR depending on whether we shuffle Weitz back to the PR this week.
I don't see the point of hanging on to Weitz, they have plenty of LB's and enough Globals with Sheahan and Bailey.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 16, 2025, 04:39:46 PMI don't see the point of hanging on to Weitz, they have plenty of LB's and enough Globals with Sheahan and Bailey.
I agree. A global LB falls way down on any sort of need on the roster. Especially after drafting 3 LB's. Lots of belief by some that we should add Bailey to the AR. It's at the cost of a Canadian but might be worth considering for depth at DE.
The transactions on CFL.CA show Sheahan moved to PR???? Does that mean Castillo handles all kicking and do we see Bailey added as the global without needing to take a Canadian off the roster?
I was not expecting this move so don't really understand what's going on. That was a decision to be made in TC if they intended or considered a change. Will we see the other global punter added possibly?
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2025, 10:23:53 PMThe transactions on CFL.CA show Sheahan moved to PR???? Does that mean Castillo handles all kicking and do we see Bailey added as the global without needing to take a Canadian off the roster?
I was not expecting this move so don't really understand what's going on. That was a decision to be made in TC if they intended or considered a change. Will we see the other global punter added possibly?
I wouldn't read too much into it yet -- might just be a play for time. Maybe another team has put in for one of our PR players and we're putting that player on the active roster to block the move? This would allow for a temporary shuffle. Not sure, but it's possible. Wouldn't also be the first time the transaction page was wrong.
We also have to get Collaros on and Artopoeus to the PR so it might just be one of several moves and not all were posted yet.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 16, 2025, 10:42:58 PMI wouldn't read too much into it yet -- might just be a play for time. Maybe another team has put in for one of our PR players and we're putting that player on the active roster to block the move? This would allow for a temporary shuffle. Not sure, but it's possible. Wouldn't also be the first time the transaction page was wrong.
I don't know about that. I thought in order to block another team from a PR player, you have to activate him for 3 games. In any case, that's a bit drastic a reaction to remove the punter?
The best I can come up with is it was done in order to add Bailey and not remove a Canadian from the AR. I don't know if I've seen a player moved from AR to PR and back to AR in the same week.
I'm guessing he isn't playing this week.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2025, 10:54:24 PMI don't know about that. I thought in order to block another team from a PR player, you have to activate him for 3 games. In any case, that's a bit drastic a reaction to remove the punter?
The best I can come up with is it was done in order to add Bailey and not remove a Canadian from the AR. I don't know if I've seen a player moved from AR to PR and back to AR in the same week.
I'm guessing he isn't playing this week.
Maybe they asked Artopoeus to go to the PR for Collaros and he's thinking about it or negotiating a higher practice roster salary and it's just an interim move?
There could be a few reasons, is what I mean. It would be really weird to banish your only punter to the practice roster especially after playing his usual game.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2025, 10:54:24 PMI don't know about that. I thought in order to block another team from a PR player, you have to activate him for 3 games. In any case, that's a bit drastic a reaction to remove the punter?
The best I can come up with is it was done in order to add Bailey and not remove a Canadian from the AR. I don't know if I've seen a player moved from AR to PR and back to AR in the same week.
I'm guessing he isn't playing this week.
You were right about Global punter James Evans, sitting on the Riders PR to this very day, after refusing the Bombers PR offer. Must think the sun shines brighter in Sask!
Ya go figure on that one
No question who runs the better program
And I heard that you don't live longer living in Saskatchewan it just seems like it!!
Quote from: Blueforlife on June 16, 2025, 12:36:31 PMAnyone remember who our next best receiver from camp was? A guy we cut but might bring back if we have further injuries?
White was the next best REC. But we just let him walk. Why would we sign the next-next-best REC when we could have just kept White?
I'm actually quite shocked White was released before D.Mitchell. D is costing us a lot... he better not let us down.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 17, 2025, 05:55:16 AMWhite was the next best REC. But we just let him walk. Why would we sign the next-next-best REC when we could have just kept White?
I'm actually quite shocked White was released before D.Mitchell. D is costing us a lot... he better not let us down.
On the Coach's show MOS explained that White initially told him he did not want the PR and maybe one week was all he was willing to do. That is what ended up happening. MOS had plenty good to say about him.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 16, 2025, 10:54:24 PMI don't know about that. I thought in order to block another team from a PR player, you have to activate him for 3 games. In any case, that's a bit drastic a reaction to remove the punter?
The best I can come up with is it was done in order to add Bailey and not remove a Canadian from the AR. I don't know if I've seen a player moved from AR to PR and back to AR in the same week.
I'm guessing he isn't playing this week.
How happy would Sheahan be to lose a game cheque? I still feel come Friday we'll find out he is playing.
Quote from: Waffler on June 17, 2025, 12:29:39 PMHow happy would Sheahan be to lose a game cheque? I still feel come Friday we'll find out he is playing.
i agree - he will play, can Castillo punt? did he punt in practice?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 17, 2025, 12:40:49 AMMaybe they asked Artopoeus to go to the PR for Collaros and he's thinking about it or negotiating a higher practice roster salary and it's just an interim move?
There could be a few reasons, is what I mean. It would be really weird to banish your only punter to the practice roster especially after playing his usual game.
There was room on the PR to add Artopeus or even the 1 game IR. Regardless, adding Sheahan to the PR would be totally unrelated to any move for the extra QB.
The QB will have to be moved off the AR. Whether he goes to IR or PR we'll see.
EDIT: Just checked and I don't see any team with a QB on their PR. It's not common but it does happen usually related to an injury.
Quote from: The Zipp on June 17, 2025, 01:26:04 PMi agree - he will play, can Castillo punt? did he punt in practice?
Yes he can punt. It's been a few years but early in his career he handled all duties. Most teams now specialized with 2 kickers on their rosters.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 17, 2025, 01:27:27 PMYes he can punt. It's been a few years but early in his career he handled all duties. Most teams now specialized with 2 kickers on their rosters.
Anyone
can punt and you're overselling it. He "handled all duties" consistently once, in 2017, over his 9 year career in the CFL. The last time he punted in a CFL game was 2022 and over 8 attempts that season he had an average of 38.5 yards and average net of only 33.25.
...That is ummmm, not good?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 17, 2025, 02:14:10 PMAnyone can punt and you're overselling it. He "handled all duties" consistently once, in 2017, over his 9 year career in the CFL. The last time he punted in a CFL game was 2022 and over 8 attempts that season he had an average of 38.5 yards and average net of only 33.25.
...That is ummmm, not good?
Not everyone can punt. We wouldn't have a global kicker if that was true. He has 44 yard career average. I never said I wanted him to be the punter but he could be if necessary. It's just all speculation as to why Sheahan was moved to PR reportedly.
Using 2022 and 8 punts is you overselling your case.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 17, 2025, 02:24:31 PMNot everyone can punt. We wouldn't have a global kicker if that was true. He has 44 yard career average. I never said I wanted him to be the punter but he could be if necessary. It's just all speculation as to why Sheahan was moved to PR reportedly.
Using 2022 and 8 punts is you overselling your case.
Lol you can go back to 2019 as the next year he attempted a punt if you like. That was 6 years ago. He had a whopping 20 punts that campaign.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 17, 2025, 02:26:21 PMLol you can go back to 2019 as the next year he attempted a punt if you like. That was 6 years ago. He had a whopping 20 punts that campaign.
Again. I said he can punt not that he should. He'd certainly be the in game replacement punter.
Quote from: Waffler on June 17, 2025, 12:26:52 PMOn the Coach's show MOS explained that White initially told him he did not want the PR and maybe one week was all he was willing to do. That is what ended up happening. MOS had plenty good to say about him.
Should have stuck Mitchell on the PR, at least White showed up ready to play.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on June 17, 2025, 05:55:16 AMWhite was the next best REC. But we just let him walk. Why would we sign the next-next-best REC when we could have just kept White?
I'm actually quite shocked White was released before D.Mitchell. D is costing us a lot... he better not let us down.
D isn't actually costing us a lot, his price was high, but a lot of sunk money in his bonus. His game cheques are less that ELC, IIRC.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 17, 2025, 04:04:48 PMShould have stuck Mitchell on the PR, at least White showed up ready to play.
Mitchell was signed to be a primary receiver. His current game check is about ELC level after the big signing bonus. Wheatfall beat him out and played well in game 1.
In any case, we'll see if anything changes this week, even if only in practice. Does he show a renewed desire and effort or is he in coast mode?
It will be very interesting to see if our choices at receivers come back to haunt us. Hopefully we will figure it out. I was floored by our depth previously but now it's average imo.
I'd like to see Sterns have a good game this week now that Collaros is back. OTOH, he's the 5th target and that's not easy to do. That said, if he's not being targeted or drawing coverage to open other receivers, that's an issue.
IIRC, someone said he was open quite a bit in game 1. So we should at least give him some opportunities.
I wonder how is blocking is? He's not a very big player.
I also mentioned last week that I wondered if the Bombers have any interest in Hollins. He'd be the same SMS as Mitchell at the moment since both got significant bonus money early. He might still end up depth behind Wheatfall but is he a better choice on the 1 game IR?
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 17, 2025, 05:48:32 PMI'd like to see Sterns have a good game this week now that Collaros is back. OTOH, he's the 5th target and that's not easy to do. That said, if he's not being targeted or drawing coverage to open other receivers, that's an issue.
IIRC, someone said he was open quite a bit in game 1. So we should at least give him some opportunities.
I wonder how is blocking is? He's not a very big player.
I also mentioned last week that I wondered if the Bombers have any interest in Hollins. He'd be the same SMS as Mitchell at the moment since both got significant bonus money early. He might still end up depth behind Wheatfall but is he a better choice on the 1 game IR?
Clercius is the 5th target, usually limited to 2-3 passes per game, Sterns should be seeing 5-7 passes short passes inside plus a few jet sweeps. White was the biggest Import receiver going into TC, he had at least 25 lbs. of muscle over the other candidates. If Mitchell can't play Sterns role, he's going to have to wait for Schoen or Wheatfall injuries, hopefully that's a long wait.
Regardless sunk money and game cheques, pretty sure this team doesn't keep Mitchell in camp if they do not see upside.
He has been a top receiver in the past, and came to camp out of shape. How long he needs to get back in shape and earn his spot, who knows.
Its a minimal investment, and he must be doing the right things at practice to stay in the teams/coaches good books. There is no doubt that M Mitchell was much more a rah rah effort guy in camp, and there was question about D Mitchell's mindset when camp started... I guess he's changed his attitude.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 17, 2025, 06:33:28 PMClercius is the 5th target, usually limited to 2-3 passes per game, Sterns should be seeing 5-7 passes short passes inside plus a few jet sweeps. White was the biggest Import receiver going into TC, he had at least 25 lbs. of muscle over the other candidates. If Mitchell can't play Sterns role, he's going to have to wait for Schoen or Wheatfall injuries, hopefully that's a long wait.
In theory. I was speaking more about the reality in game 1. Clercius was targeted 3 times and Sterns was targeted once. Even in pre-season Clercius was getting targeted more often.
Mitchell his first three season. Averages 632 yard per season, 4 TDs, and he's 130/200 targets for 59%.
Bailey from 2021-2023. Average 622 per season, 6.6 TDs, he was 161/237 targets for 68%.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 17, 2025, 07:20:05 PMIn theory. I was speaking more about the reality in game 1. Clercius was targeted 3 times and Sterns was targeted once. Even in pre-season Clercius was getting targeted more often.
Need to be careful drawing conclusions with that kind of analysis.
We do not know how many times either was the primary receiver and it doesn't tell you how the defense defended either guy. It's quite possible that for some of those underneath looks Clercius got, the receiver clearing out was Sterns, for example. I'm not going to go look, but the receiver spot that Clercius plays sometimes gets wide side looks that defenses intend to give up. Sterns from the slot doesn't get that kind of coverage probably ever.
Quote from: Blue In BC on June 17, 2025, 07:20:05 PMIn theory. I was speaking more about the reality in game 1. Clercius was targeted 3 times and Sterns was targeted once. Even in pre-season Clercius was getting targeted more often.
Receiver preference will be determined by Zach and how much he trusts his targets, Clercius did a good job of catching whenever thrown to last season but he wasn't targeted much. Don't see that changing this season either, with so many great targets to choose from, he's sort of the forgotten option.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 17, 2025, 06:33:28 PMClercius is the 5th target, usually limited to 2-3 passes per game, Sterns should be seeing 5-7 passes short passes inside plus a few jet sweeps.
I'm not sure about that. You'd think it should be true. But back when Woli was Clercius and Bailey was Sterns, it was usually pretty even ball distribution between Woli/Bailey.
Sterns saw 1 (maybe 2?) targets in game 1? Pretty much same as Clercius 1 target (and great YAC that got us a tough 1st down).
Quote from: theaardvark on June 17, 2025, 06:47:16 PMHe has been a top receiver in the past, and came to camp out of shape. How long he needs to get back in shape and earn his spot, who knows.
I didn't hear anything to indicate he was physically out of shape. Every presser where they talk D.Mitchell has always, as you also said, indicated it's his headspace.
Headspace can be a much more difficult thing to overcome. Think C.Matthews when he returned. His heart was never in it.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on June 18, 2025, 03:56:49 PMClercius did a good job of catching whenever thrown to last season but he wasn't targeted much. Don't see that changing this season either, with so many great targets to choose from, he's sort of the forgotten option.
To be good enough to win cups you need your 2nd NAT to be at least as good as Woli. Woli was always reliable for some clutch conversions and a few TDs. Clercius MUST become at least as good as '19 Woli. I want every REC to be a legit scoring threat.
I found the Benson injury play. Well, sort of.
2Q1:23 after the snap Benson starts running downfield, right when the camera is panning off of him you see he's fallen down. There are 2 team B STers around him at the time, but it doesn't appear they touch him.
In prior snaps he gets blown up pretty good. One punt snap the rusher plows him into one of the personal defenders. Benson almost certainly would have fallen down backwards if not for that friendly player in the way. That would have been a penalty. (Interesting Rempel-rule exception here... blow up the LS all you want but make sure he doesn't fall down by using other players to absorb the hit.)
My guess is something got twitchy on the prior hits and acted up big time on the snap he falls down after.
I have no idea how a "hip injury" can do this. Maybe others can guess. On the upside, maybe it's not too bad, though these hips seem to linger a long while.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on Today at 03:35:34 AMTo be good enough to win cups you need your 2nd NAT to be at least as good as Woli. Woli was always reliable for some clutch conversions and a few TDs. Clercius MUST become at least as good as '19 Woli. I want every REC to be a legit scoring threat.
This is just made up nonsense. Every receiver is a "legit scoring threat" on every passing play. The rest of this is just poorly formed opinion on top of another poorly formed opinion.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on Today at 03:20:59 AMI'm not sure about that. You'd think it should be true. But back when Woli was Clercius and Bailey was Sterns, it was usually pretty even ball distribution between Woli/Bailey.
Sterns saw 1 (maybe 2?) targets in game 1? Pretty much same as Clercius 1 target (and great YAC that got us a tough 1st down).
There's no order system to targets.
They will each get a couple of designed plays to keep the defence honest, I'm sure. But beyond that, when a play goes long enough Zach is just searching for the first open guy he can find and it'll depend on where he's getting chased and who finds the open area he's looking at.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on Today at 03:24:50 AMI didn't hear anything to indicate he was physically out of shape. Every presser where they talk D.Mitchell has always, as you also said, indicated it's his headspace.
Headspace can be a much more difficult thing to overcome. Think C.Matthews when he returned. His heart was never in it.
I think the same thing. He IS in shape. At times he looks like an incredible athlete. He can run and make moves that make you notice.
To illustrate what I've seen, one particular punt return drill they were rotating 4 guys doing the fielding. They all know Sheahan's kicks can land anywhere and are moving as soon as it's in the air. When it's Mitchell's turn he watches it, watches it and then halfheartedly runs to the sideline but not getting there on time. It's a head scratcher. Then next one he looks like he belongs again. You'd think he would know that to make a team you have to go all out all the time. He's not a vet here.