With only 4 regular season games to go, suffice it to say each of these games become "must win" games.
Ed Tait's Game Preview sets the tone and can be read below...
https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/09/26/game-preview-hamilton-at-winnipeg/
Key notes to this game, "THE LINEUP: The Blue Bombers depth chart features four changes from last week's win over Ottawa. On are Collaros, WR Jerreth Sterns, DT Jamal Woods and DB Nick Hallett. Off are QB Chase Artopoeus, WR Keric Wheatfall, DB Jamal Parker, Jr. and DT Collin Kornelson
The one-game injured list now includes Parker and Wheatfall along with DB Michael Griffin II, RB/KR Peyton Logan and OL Micah Vanterpool. The six-game injured list includes WR Dalton Schoen, LB Lane Novak, DT Tanner Schmekel, OL Eric Lofton, CB Terrell Bonds, WR Kody Case and DB Enock Makonzo."
Zack Collaros returning to the lineup is crucial to winning a game with a tough opponent. Time to make a statement.
A Lions victory before we play will bump us back to 4th place at least temporarily. Wins by Calgary and Riders this weekend go a long way to solidifying 1st and 2nd in the west. It also means a west team crossovers this year.
Lots on the line for every team with not many games left.
So yes, it's time to step up and be counted.
Ed Tait:
The @Wpg_BlueBombers depth chart for tomorrow features four changes from last week. On are QB Zach Collaros, WR Jerreth Sterns, DT Jamal Woods and DB Nick Hallett. Off are QB Chase Artopoeus, DT Collin Kornelson, WR Keric Wheatfall and DB Jamal Parker, Jr.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G1yAfv1WAAAJVMP?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
I'm excited to see what Woods will do! If I were Coach/GM I'd have Adams, Woods and Lawson on my DL but I'm not...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G1yWcdkWQAAzCeV?format=jpg&name=large)
Official: Zach Collaros returns for Winnipeg Blue Bombers against Tiger-Cats
By John Hodge -September 26, 2025
It's official: Zach Collaros will start for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when the team hosts the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday afternoon.
The 37-year-old missed Winnipeg's last two games due to a head injury he suffered against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Banjo Bowl. He has completed 73.8 percent of his passes for 2,297 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions this season, going 4-6 as a starter. He has also rushed 14 times for 105 yards and one score.
TSN analyst Milt Stegall, who spent his entire playing career with Winnipeg, suggested in the immediate aftermath of the injury that Collaros should never play football again. The veteran quarterback has a well-documented history of head injuries and missed time earlier this season due to a neck injury. Though Collaros appreciates Stegall's concern, he made it clear this week that he wouldn't be playing if medical staff advised him not to.
Chris Streveler started both games for the Blue Bombers while Collaros was out, throwing for 295 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in a 32-21 loss to Hamilton and a 26-18 win over Ottawa. He also recorded 22 carries for 154 yards and two scores. He is now listed as the backup with Terry Wilson as the third-stringer and rookie quarterback Chase Artopoeus being moved back to the practice roster.
Winnipeg made three other changes to the roster, adding receiver Jerreth Sterns from the one-game injured list, defensive lineman Jamal Woods from the practice roster, and defensive back Nick Hallett from the one-game injured list. Sterns will start in place of the injured Keric Wheatfall, while Woods and Hallett will fill depth roles.
Wheatfall has been moved to the one-game injured list, while defensive lineman Collin Kornelson was moved to the practice roster and defensive back Jamal Parker was placed on the one-game injured list. Parker, who started at field-side cornerback last week, has been replaced in the starter lineup by Dexter Lawson Jr.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-7) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-5) at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday afternoon with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats defeated the Edmonton Elks last week with a walk-off field goal, while the Blue Bombers bested the Ottawa Redblacks despite completing only three passes.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 22 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN and CTV in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on the Ticats Audio Network and CJOB 680 in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2025/09/26/official-zach-collaros-returns-for-winnipeg-blue-bombers-against-tiger-cats/
Rookie LB Kyler Fisher returns for Hamilton Tiger-Cats against Blue Bombers
By 3Down Staff -September 26, 2025
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have rookie linebacker Kyler Fisher back in the starting lineup when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday afternoon.
The 24-year-old native of Farnhamville, Ia. has played 11 regular-season games for the Tiger-Cats this season, recording 43 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, and one sack. He entered the starting lineup in Week 11 and made four starts for Hamilton before being moved to the one-game injured list due to a shoulder injury.
The five-foot-eleven, 231-pound defender played collegiately at the University of Iowa where he made 64 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, two pass knockdowns, and two forced fumbles.
Ray Wilborn, who made nine starts at weak-side linebacker to start the year, has been moved to the one-game injured list as a healthy scratch.
The Tiger-Cats have also promoted Canadian linebacker Daniel Kwamou from the practice roster. He has made five special teams tackles this season. In a corresponding move, rookie Canadian defensive back Ronan Horrall has been moved to the practice roster.
Hamilton has not made any other changes to their roster ahead of Saturday's game.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-5) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-7) at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday afternoon with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats defeated the Edmonton Elks last week with a walk-off field goal, while the Blue Bombers bested the Ottawa Redblacks despite completing only three passes.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 22 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN and CTV in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on the Ticats Audio Network and CJOB 680 in Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2025/09/26/rookie-lb-kyler-fisher-returns-for-hamilton-tiger-cats-against-blue-bombers/
Let's just get this win today boys!!
Looks like Wilson gets the WR spot along with Clercius, over Mitchell. There does not seem to be any thought to bringing Clercius inside to play SB, either he can't handle the waggle or they see no value in bringing him inside.
Not sure why they wouldn't replace Person with Bailey. ZC8 has made as many tackles as Persons. Which is 2.
Quote from: Pigskin on September 26, 2025, 07:41:10 PMNot sure why they wouldn't replace Person with Bailey. ZC8 has made as many tackles as Persons. Which is 2.
ZC8 having 2 tackles is a different concern... only time a QB has a chance at a tackle is during a turnover, and even then...
Gambling has us 2 pt favorites? Huh? Well, I think we'll win, and I think HAM is a paper tiger. Look after the ball better and contain Kenny & Bell and easy peasy.
I think Woods will have a big game. Having a guy with fresh legs come in at this point of the season is sometimes a big benefit.
Quote from: Jesse on September 27, 2025, 02:58:03 PMI think Woods will have a big game. Having a guy with fresh legs come in at this point of the season is sometimes a big benefit.
Reasonable expectation and he'll want to hold onto his spot on the AR so he'll be motivated.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 26, 2025, 10:43:44 PMGambling has us 2 pt favorites? Huh? Well, I think we'll win, and I think HAM is a paper tiger. Look after the ball better and contain Kenny & Bell and easy peasy.
Home team is normally given 3 points. So they are saying Hamilton is the better team.
Collaros back is a big factor, and PAS is not a 3 point advantage, probably the biggest home field advantage in sports.
Sold out barn full of passionate fans.
And vuvuzelas powered by excess cervezas.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 27, 2025, 03:57:44 PMCollaros back is a big factor, and PAS is not a 3 point advantage, probably the biggest home field advantage in sports.
Sold out barn full of passionate fans.
And vuvuzelas powered by excess cervezas.
Not the last couple of seasons.
Check the Bombers' home record.
Quote from: gobombersgo on September 27, 2025, 03:32:51 PMHome team is normally given 3 points. So they are saying Hamilton is the better team.
LOL. Maybe. Not sure TOR's 1000 home fans are worth 3 points though.
Getting the kids ready for the trek. It should be a fun afternoon game. Nice weather.
We have to have this W. I think it will be a close one, but we'll pull ahead in the 2nd and 4th.
Go blue!!
Quote from: gobombersgo on September 27, 2025, 04:08:19 PMNot the last couple of seasons.
Check the Bombers' home record.
I didn't say its a guaranteed win, I said advantage. We fans give the team the opportunity, they have to run with it.
Is this officially another sell-out (yet?)?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 27, 2025, 04:22:03 PMIs this officially another sell-out (yet?)?
Yah, but there might be a lot of free tickets that were given away to the kids up North.
Rick Zamperin:
One lineup note today for the #Ticats CB Jamal Peters is out & Zamari Walton takes his place. #CFL
Peters out is pretty big. He's one of their best. Zach can take advantage if the ol gives us time
Super perfect day for ball. Sitting in the stands right now. Just gorgeous. Fans taking their sweet time to arrive today.
Quote from: gobombersgo on September 27, 2025, 03:32:51 PMHome team is normally given 3 points. So they are saying Hamilton is the better team.
Yes Hamilton is a better team and Lawyer will probably get 200yrds or more today.
Quote from: BBRT on September 27, 2025, 07:03:44 PMYes Hamilton is a better team and Lawyer will probably get 200yrds or more today.
In our barn? haha no.
Love me some Vaval on returns!! wooo!
Vaval is dangerous!!!!
Didn't like the defence on that last series but they did force a turnover on downs. Giving up too many easy yards rushing but almost nothing passing.
Ultra quiet gdt! Halftime here at stadium.
That goal line stop is as good as a td for us. We have all the momo into the 2nd half. Couldn't ask for a better first half.
We're concentrating on watching Kenny. He's being single covered but very well. BLM looks his way every snap but decides against it.
Even Lawson is covering well.
Keep it up and we win.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 27, 2025, 08:24:07 PMUltra quiet gdt! Halftime here at stadium.
That goal line stop is as good as a td for us. We have all the momo into the 2nd half. Couldn't ask for a better first half.
We're concentrating on watching Kenny. He's being single covered but very well. BLM looks his way every snap but decides against it.
Even Lawson is covering well.
Keep it up and we win.
Haha I wondered if my Shaw was down... or maybe everyone is at the stadium enjoying the game.
Loving the game so far!
Strev BARELY made that TD..the OL made it happen.
Really liking Mitchell this game..and that hey..Demski got his catch..sigh.
Zach throwing with incredible precision today. Man, when he is on there is no one better.
Hell of a game today. I hope this is a sign of things to come.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on September 27, 2025, 09:14:36 PMHell of a game today. I hope this is a sign of things to come.
I agree. I almost feel Zach could have come back last game but they kept him out one extra game. If this is the result I'm all for it.
Defense is playing good as well. Lawler must be frustrated and I love it.
Quote from: tlf on September 27, 2025, 09:19:17 PMI agree. I almost feel Zach could have come back last game but they kept him out one extra game. If this is the result I'm all for it.
Defense is playing good as well. Lawler must be frustrated and I love it.
Defense having a monster game. I'm all for Lawler's frustration today. ;D
Folowing the game today from Bordeaux France, while enjoying a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Go Bombers!
Another huge stop by the defense. Love it!
Defence has played like this for a while now. The only thing that has held us back is the turnovers, as we've all said many times.
If Zach is going to play clean like that, watch the **** out CFL.
Great game by Collaros and IMO the play calling was better. We were stretching the file more often and it paid off.
Streveler: 3 TD's and a very good performance on SY.
Overall close to a perfect game. Only a few penalties but mostly of no consequence. Eli needs to work on the hands to the face though. He's had at least 2 and possibly 3 this year. It took a nice TD off the board.
Bombers only punted once but had 6 K/O's.
We're back in 3rd place with the edge on the Lions with season series. Argos, Redblacks and Elks are just about out of the play off race.
EDIT: Woods didn't get the bulk of reps but had 2 DT's and caused some issues for Hamilton.
Who moved to WIL when Wilson went out for 3 plays?
I can never quite figure out where Woodbey is lining up but he's all over the field and led the team with 9 DT's.
He's a keeper.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 27, 2025, 10:08:21 PMI can never quite figure out where Woodbey is lining up but he's all over the field and led the team with 9 DT's.
He's a keeper.
I agree - I watched most of the game here in Calgary today and was really impressed with Woodbey's play. The entire defense had their best game of the year. And Zach was really on today. Best game of the year IMHO.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 27, 2025, 10:06:03 PMGreat game by Collaros and IMO the play calling was better. We were stretching the file more often and it paid off.
Streveler: 3 TD's and a very good performance on SY.
Overall close to a perfect game. Only a few penalties but mostly of no consequence. Eli needs to work on the hands to the face though. He's had at least 2 and possibly 3 this year. It took a nice TD off the board.
Bombers only punted once but had 6 K/O's.
We're back in 3rd place with the edge on the Lions with season series. Argos, Redblacks and Elks are just about out of the play off race.
EDIT: Woods didn't get the bulk of reps but had 2 DT's and caused some issues for Hamilton.
Who moved to WIL when Wilson went out for 3 plays?
Woods actually came on. Assuming they went from a 3 to a 4 man front for that play.
Beauty!
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 27, 2025, 10:06:03 PMGreat game by Collaros and IMO the play calling was better. We were stretching the file more often and it paid off.
Streveler: 3 TD's and a very good performance on SY.
Overall close to a perfect game. Only a few penalties but mostly of no consequence. Eli needs to work on the hands to the face though. He's had at least 2 and possibly 3 this year. It took a nice TD off the board.
Bombers only punted once but had 6 K/O's.
We're back in 3rd place with the edge on the Lions with season series. Argos, Redblacks and Elks are just about out of the play off race.
EDIT: Woods didn't get the bulk of reps but had 2 DT's and caused some issues for Hamilton.
Who moved to WIL when Wilson went out for 3 plays?
Are you sure? They kept him out there quite often as far as I could tell.
At one point I noticed they lined up with 3 DTs and no DEs.
Bo was uncharacteristically off with his accuracy. Overthrew a couple of receivers, including one wide open in the end zone in the third quarter. Still, full marks to Bombers, they were dominant in all 3 phases.
Quote from: Jesse on September 27, 2025, 10:29:46 PMAre you sure? They kept him out there quite often as far as I could tell.
At one point I noticed they lined up with 3 DTs and no DEs.
I'm not sure. We have so many players rotating and playing different spots of alignment.
Quote from: bunker on September 27, 2025, 10:19:21 PMWoods actually came on. Assuming they went from a 3 to a 4 man front for that play.
Normally you'd still have a WIL with a 4 man front. Woodbey may have moved over?
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 27, 2025, 10:53:24 PMI'm not sure. We have so many players rotating and playing different spots of alignment.
He was often in the DE position as well. Had to look for him, but he was there.
Quote from: Jesse on September 27, 2025, 10:54:37 PMHe was often in the DE position as well. Had to look for him, but he was there.
I'll have to re-watch the game later this week. BLM still had too much time to throw and we had trouble with the run. Part of that was strategy in taking away the pass but I'd like to see it tightened up.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 27, 2025, 10:56:25 PMI'll have to re-watch the game later this week. BLM still had too much time to throw and we had trouble with the run. Part of that was strategy in taking away the pass but I'd like to see it tightened up.
We are very obviously not even attempting pressure, so I think we just need to be happy with results over process at this moment.
That said, even when we blitzed, we were not getting through at all.
Mitchell in the tent late in the game was concerning.
Quote from: Jesse on September 27, 2025, 11:10:09 PMWe are very obviously not even attempting pressure, so I think we just need to be happy with results over process at this moment.
That said, even when we blitzed, we were not getting through at all.
Did I miss something, apparently it was 40 - 3. Who cares about pressure.
Quote from: Justin Case on September 27, 2025, 11:19:34 PMDid I miss something, apparently it was 40 - 3. Who cares about pressure.
We've been talking about the is for two years, it's about more than one game.
Quote from: bunker on September 27, 2025, 10:52:43 PMBo was uncharacteristically off with his accuracy. Overthrew a couple of receivers, including one wide open in the end zone in the third quarter. Still, full marks to Bombers, they were dominant in all 3 phases.
If they can win out they'll open some eyes, all 3 phases have to play consistently well to have a chance at beating the better teams.
Quote from: Jesse on September 27, 2025, 11:20:33 PMWe've been talking about the is for two years, it's about more than one game.
You are right, apparently it's been five years worth of games. Get real. Remember that time when we didn't win a cup for 29 years.
Zack kicked A today, what more do you want. He can only work with what he has. Apparently you missed the fact that there was more team injuries this year than a five car pileup.
Things are starting to come together. When the team goes on a run, we don't want to see you jumping back on the band wagon.
Quote from: Justin Case on September 27, 2025, 11:45:57 PMYou are right, apparently it's been five years worth of games. Get real. Remember that time when we didn't win a cup for 29 years.
Zack kicked A today, what more do you want. He can only work with what he has. Apparently you missed the fact that there was more team injuries this year than a five car pileup.
Things are starting to come together. When the team goes on a run, we don't want to see you jumping back on the band wagon.
lol, you must be new here. I've never lost the faith all season. But we like to discuss what happens in the games.
Must say that was an impressive win.
MOS would have taken the points to end the half, and he would have been right. Ham panicked too soon.
Worst bummer is the like 80y Brady romp the got cut in half due to an uncharacteristic odd penalty.
Didn't matter at all though, except to fantasy players.
Hey bo, what kind of team are we, eh?
Was at the game, and other than the second half sun melting me, one of the most enjoyable games of the year.
33-3, 10 min left, why was Zach still in there? How much more of a buffer do you need to both protect Zach, and see what Wilson can do.
That was the perfect time to give Wilson a couple of series, with absolutely no downside.
That's my only complaint, the rest was amazing. Even Streveler was excellent in the QB3 role, Short Yardage and special trick play package. You have to love his energy and heart. But please, no more #2 dreams.
Agree, 30 point lead, you're fragile starter should be resting, we're tempting the football gods to crap ok us!! Agree give Wilson some snaps my gosh if not now is it never?!?!