Game Day Sunday. It will be a formidable challenge for the Bombers. Injuries still prevail but there is a good chance Ontaria Wilson and Jake Ceresna will be ready.
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Ed Tait's 48-Hour Primer is here https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/07/03/48-hour-primer-week-5-hamilton/
Odds favour the 'Cats but it's CFL football so let's wait until the end of the game. In the meantime, bring it on and let's go Bombers!
Man there's some heavy hitters on that injury list and it's only the start of the season
Both Wallace and Eli "questionable"? And an interesting move with Jenkins? Might we get our first 4 IMP OL? If Wallace is out, I'd rather see Vant at LG instead of any other option. Elsbury has return & stay at C. If no ratio room for Vant, give LG to Eli. Vibert takes 6th.
IF Wallace and Eli both end up "out", then we're forced to start Vant, and Vibert would take 6th.
Of course, in the end it'll probably be a lot of hoopla about nothing and we'll be back to our week 1 OL.
I'm hoping we bring on Dorian Singer.
4 import OL today. Wallace was reported as " full " at practice so is this a demotion of sorts with a perceived improvement to our OL. They could be just being cautious with him being nicked. Since he was moved to the reserve instead of ELI, that seems to be the case.
It's going to be interesting to see how this new version performs in both pass and run blocking.
None of the players on the 6 game IR moved to 1 game IR. Nobody on 1 game IR. So I guess those that were practising were in week 4 and allowed to do so. To that regard unless we have additional injuries, they will serve out the full 6 game IR stint.
To that end it's good news that our depth improves should it be required, particularly the Canadian walking wounded.
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers shuffle trenches against Tiger-Cats
by John Hodge July 4, 2026
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have shuffled their offensive and defensive lines for Sunday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The team released its official depth chart on Saturday morning.
Patrick Neufeld will start at right guard after missing last week's loss to the Edmonton Elks. The 37-year-old was a late scratch and told the media at practice on Tuesday that he missed the game because he and his wife were busy welcoming twins — one girl and one boy.
Winnipeg has also made a change at left guard with Gabe Wallace being placed on the reserve roster. The 26-year-old native of Salmon Arm, B.C. missed one day of practice this week with a shoulder injury and was officially listed as questionable.
Micah Mazzccua (pronounced: 'Muh-ZOOKa') will make his first career CFL start in Wallace's place. The six-foot-five, 344-pound blocker played collegiately at Baylor, Florida, and Nebraska. In 2022, the native of Philadelphia, Pa. was Pro Football Focus (PFF)'s second-highest-graded guard in the Big 12.
With two American tackles and Byron, Ill. native Tyler Elsbury at centre, the Blue Bombers will start four American offensive linemen for the first time this season and possibly the first time in franchise history. Tui Eli will be the only backup offensive lineman on the roster.
The Blue Bombers have also made a change to their starting defensive line, demoting Kydran Jenkins to the practice roster. The 24-year-old started the team's first three games at defensive end opposite Willie Jefferson and recorded three tackles.
The Purdue product has been replaced by David Reese, who has made one defensive tackle in a depth role through two games this season. The 25-year-old native of Fort Pierce, Fla. finished his collegiate career at Syracuse in 2025, recording 27 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three pass breakups.
Ethan Vibert, who was promoted to the active roster late last week, has been moved back to the practice roster. Winnipeg native Collin Kornelson has been promoted to the active roster to provide some added depth at defensive tackle. The six-foot-two, 285-pound defender has made three defensive tackles in nine career regular-season games.
Dru Brown, who was recently acquired from the Ottawa Redblacks in a trade, remains on the reserve roster and will not dress.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-2) will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-1) at Hamilton Stadium on Sunday, July 5 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Blue Bombers are coming off a 23-18 loss to the Edmonton Elks, while the Tiger-Cats were on bye.
The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 28 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg or the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-shuffle-trenches-against-tiger-cats/
Jamal Peters returns, Wynton McManis debuts for Hamilton Tiger-Cats against Bombers
by 3Down Staff July 4, 2026
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have a pair of All-CFL defenders back in the lineup when they face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday.
Cornerback Jamal Peters is slated to make his return after suffering an apparent head injury in the last meeting between these two teams in Week 3. The 29-year-old was taken off on a stretcher after receiving a blow to the helmet from Tommy Nield's knee but was cleared by medical staff relatively quickly and has since made a full recovery.
The six-foot-two, 220-pound defender was named All-CFL in 2025 after recording 50 defensive tackles and six interceptions over 16 regular-season games. Over 68 career regular-season games, Peters has tallied 212 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, 21 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack, twice earning All-CFL honours.
Zamari Walton will move from boundary corner to the fieldside to make room for Peters, while Devodric Bynum has been placed on the reserve roster.
Veteran linebacker Wynton McManis is also slated to make his regular-season debut for the Tabbies after missing the first three games with a bone bruise in his knee. The prized free agent acquisition has played 100 regular-season CFL games over seven seasons with the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts. He has recorded 390 defensive tackles, 52 special teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three touchdowns, earning two All-CFL selections and winning three Grey Cups.
McManis is listed behind Canadian starter Ryan Baker on the depth chart, but has been designated as a nationalized American, which will allow him to replace a Canadian defensive lineman in sub packages, while also playing an unlimited number of snaps in place of weakside linebacker Braxton Hill. Rookie Jordan Crook has been demoted to the practice roster to make room.
The Ticats have made no other changes to their lineup, though Canadian defensive back Robert Panabaker (undisclosed) and Canadian defensive tackle Charbel Dabire (back) have both been listed as game-time decisions.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-1) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-2) at Hamilton Stadium on Sunday, July 5, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Blue Bombers are coming off a 23-18 loss to the Edmonton Elks, while the Tiger-Cats were on bye.
The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 28 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg or Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/04/jamal-peters-returns-wynton-mcmanis-debuts-for-hamilton-tiger-cats-against-bombers/
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 04, 2026, 02:55:22 PM4 import OL today. Wallace was reported as " full " at practice so is this a demotion of sorts with a perceived improvement to our OL. They could be just being cautious with him being nicked. Since he was moved to the reserve instead of ELI, that seems to be the case.
It's going to be interesting to see how this new version performs in both pass and run blocking.
None of the players on the 6 game IR moved to 1 game IR. Nobody on 1 game IR. So I guess those that were practising were in week 4 and allowed to do so. To that regard unless we have additional injuries, they will serve out the full 6 game IR stint.
To that end it's good news that our depth improves should it be required, particularly the Canadian walking wounded.
What's up with Vanterpool? Where did he go?
big test for the mostly american o line.
gabe wasn't getting it done so he gets benched
Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2026, 05:36:05 PMbig test for the mostly american o line.
gabe wasn't getting it done so he gets benched
At the same time, we'll now have had 3 different OL alignments in as many games. Hard to build a cohesive unit like that.
Quote from: The Zipp on July 04, 2026, 05:36:05 PMbig test for the mostly american o line.
gabe wasn't getting it done so he gets benched
I don't buy it, Gabe is their best run blocker and a decent pass blocker, I think he's out due to injury.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2026, 05:55:27 PMI don't buy it, Gabe is their best run blocker and a decent pass blocker, I think he's out due to injury.
Eli and Wallace both were issues against the elks as our interior line got manhandled. Maybe Wallace was hurt then as well. Hopefully Micah Mazzccua can help our run game at 6ft5 344 lbs he has the size
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2026, 04:55:41 PMWhat's up with Vanterpool? Where did he go?
Back to 6 game IR. How did he do that without playing after being on the reserve last week. Injured or not, he hasn't played many games for one reason or another. He's probably falling down down down on any perceived depth chart. Only played in 8 games in 2 seasons prior to 2026.
Definitely like prioritizing the offensive line. We aren't a team that can afford to have a lot of pocket disruption.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2026, 05:55:27 PMI don't buy it, Gabe is their best run blocker and a decent pass blocker, I think he's out due to injury.
being the best and playing like it are different things. potential doesn't make blocks. he got eaten up and the team made the change based on what they saw. every player can be "hurt" at any time.
McManis and Peters back... we're completely screwed. It'll be a wipeout.
And look at all the creativity and maximum use of every single "cheat code" by HAM. They are designating a DNA on both O and D. Kenny is DNA on O, McManis DNA on D. 25 snaps each.
My only wish now is we escape without injury. That will be a "win".
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 04, 2026, 06:15:54 PMBack to 6 game IR. How did he do that without playing after being on the reserve last week. Injured or not, he hasn't played many games for one reason or another. He's probably falling down down down on any perceived depth chart. Only played in 8 games in 2 seasons prior to 2026.
I for one am shocked. Mazzccua jumping Vant is the biggest news of this week. Vant got many starts at OG last 2 seasons, and played quite well. And he benefits from the MOS mantra of seniority and working hard gets you on the team.
Isn't Mazzccua a rookie?
Very bizarre. P.S. I'm fine with 4 IMP OL in a pinch, but it's not sustainable long term unless you have a NAT QB.
Vanterpool is on the 6-game.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 04, 2026, 05:55:27 PMI don't buy it, Gabe is their best run blocker and a decent pass blocker, I think he's out due to injury.
Ya, since Wallace was on the injury report day 1, I don't think they're pulling a fast one. They want Wallace to heal.
Wallace is NOT their best run blocker though. Neuf is probably the best there. Wallace is catching up, though. But so often he's blocking air or letting the DL shed him too fast while he works up to the 2nd level too early.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 04, 2026, 02:55:22 PMIt's going to be interesting to see how this new version performs in both pass and run blocking.
You bet. And we'll have a real problem if it's super good. 4 IMP isn't sustainable with our current model.
However, make sure you do not compare this week OL vs last week OL. Vs EDM was all discombobulated with 2 positions changing. This week is just 1 change from our desired OL. You must compare this week against our previous HAM game.
In our previous HAM game our pass pro was very good. It was run block that stunk to high heaven.
Quote from: Tecno on Today at 12:38:50 AMYou bet. And we'll have a real problem if it's super good. 4 IMP isn't sustainable with our current model.
However, make sure you do not compare this week OL vs last week OL. Vs EDM was all discombobulated with 2 positions changing. This week is just 1 change from our desired OL. You must compare this week against our previous HAM game.
In our previous HAM game our pass pro was very good. It was run block that stunk to high heaven.
It's 100% sustainable if it's really good. It's probably not the best from a long term flexibility standpoint, but if it turns out to be the mix that works best this year, we could run with it for the season without major issues.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on Today at 12:29:00 AMVanterpool is on the 6-game.
The point BinBC made is he was not previously on any injury report. Ya, maybe he got hurt in final practice; in which case I have the Louise bridge to sell you. Possible, sure, probable? Nah.
Looks like a demotion and a park to 6G so we can get the SMS back. It's basically a "you still get paid full $" SMS shelter when he'd normally go to the PR. Win/win.
Since Vant wasn't on the reports... have they declared what his injury is? P.S. Totally fine with it. Roster creativity is a must in this league.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on Today at 12:40:17 AMIt's 100% sustainable if it's really good. It's probably not the best from a long term flexibility standpoint, but if it turns out to be the mix that works best this year, we could run with it for the season without major issues.
You better believe this is rubbing Mafia the wrong way though. Basically no team runs 4 IMP OL, except BC at times because of what Rourke NAT QB provides. Has any team ever run one before, except as a one-off due to injury?
What this does right now is take an IMP D off the field, and makes it so whoever was the "IMP backup who is not a DI" disappears and all IMPs are now starters or DIs (as it should be).
Oh ya, and if Mazzccua stinks up the joint, that will basically prove this was purely due to a real injury, not a demotion of Wallace. And what does all of this say about our OL pipeline... yikes! And that won't be solved until FA29 probably with all the 1RDP's we've traded away!
Quote from: Tecno on Today at 12:42:01 AMThe point BinBC made is he was not previously on any injury report. Ya, maybe he got hurt in final practice; in which case I have the Louise bridge to sell you. Possible, sure, probable? Nah.
Looks like a demotion and a park to 6G so we can get the SMS back. It's basically a "you still get paid full $" SMS shelter when he'd normally go to the PR. Win/win.
Since Vant wasn't on the reports... have they declared what his injury is? P.S. Totally fine with it. Roster creativity is a must in this league.
Could be. I'm not really sure, but you're making a lot of assumptions.
It's incredibly hard for lineman to move up and down the lineup in practice these days because there's so little contact. There isn't a lot of opportunity and it's equally hard to evaluate.
I'd be more inclined to buy it if he already played a game or two and was lights out.
How are we feeling about todays game? For whatever reason I'm not feeling that optimism I usually have? I guess two consecutive losses at home might be the cause....even after acquiring Dru I'm not feelin' it!
With Jenkins being moved to the PR I'm concerned we're seeing a continuation of the merry-go-round effect we've witnessed along the D-line over the past couple of years. Ricky Walker was the last one that stuck for a couple of seasons, since then they've gone through multiple young candidates and moved on from all, many of which have been scooped upon release by other top teams, the latest being Munier-Bailey.
This trend coincides roughly with Younger's appointment as DC who is most likely the person making these decisions. Does he understand this position well and put his players in the best situation to succeed? Does he know what he's looking for? Is he constantly in search of the next Jackson Jeffcoat? Maybe Jake Thomas should be given the responsibility of building stability on the D-line, he couldn't do worse.
I have to agree with your statement. Maybe only time will tell but so far not impressed.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on Today at 04:23:20 PMWith Jenkins being moved to the PR I'm concerned we're seeing a continuation of the merry-go-round effect we've witnessed along the D-line over the past couple of years. Ricky Walker was the last one that stuck for a couple of seasons, since then they've gone through multiple young candidates and moved on from all, many of which have been scooped upon release by other top teams, the latest being Munier-Bailey.
This trend coincides roughly with Younger's appointment as DC who is most likely the person making these decisions. Does he understand this position well and put his players in the best situation to succeed? Does he know what he's looking for? Is he constantly in search of the next Jackson Jeffcoat? Maybe Jake Thomas should be given the responsibility of building stability on the D-line, he couldn't do worse.
I tbink.going in we thought with Dixon and Jaworski we would ok, but again we misjudged, With Vautner we would have been better but our scouting is lacking
Let's hope McManis is rusty and Peters still isn't a 100 per cent .....this could be a very long night .....I think it's Miller time and he's going to have to start questioning some of our roster moves...
Quote from: Pete on Today at 04:36:10 PMI tbink.going in we thought with Dixon and Jaworski we would ok, but again we misjudged, With Caught her we would have been better but our scouting is lacking
Have to believe Gatkuoth has been gifted a roster spot when he should spend the season learning on the PR, he's had 3 games and hasn't shown any flash, so we know he's not likely to be a rookie sensation. He'll be perfectly safe on the PR from thievery, no team is going to put him into their lineup immediately.
Just GET A FRIGGIN WIN!
They need one any way shape or form.
The D sucks, I am concerned.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on Today at 04:23:20 PMWith Jenkins being moved to the PR I'm concerned we're seeing a continuation of the merry-go-round effect we've witnessed along the D-line over the past couple of years. Ricky Walker was the last one that stuck for a couple of seasons, since then they've gone through multiple young candidates and moved on from all, many of which have been scooped upon release by other top teams, the latest being Munier-Bailey.
This trend coincides roughly with Younger's appointment as DC who is most likely the person making these decisions. Does he understand this position well and put his players in the best situation to succeed? Does he know what he's looking for? Is he constantly in search of the next Jackson Jeffcoat? Maybe Jake Thomas should be given the responsibility of building stability on the D-line, he couldn't do worse.
Scouting is lousy. At almost all positions. I think Danny McManus has lost fmhis edge and the new scouts aren't very good. Symptomatic of the whole organization. Started out as a high performance vehicle, headed toward beater status unless something changes.
Quote from: bunker on Today at 06:19:38 PMScouting is lousy. At almost all positions. I think Danny McManus has lost fmhis edge and the new scouts aren't very good. Symptomatic of the whole organization. Started out as a high performance vehicle, headed toward beater status unless something changes.
I am disappointed that we didn't improve the Canadian talent on our OL and DL.
BO is on an absolute heater:
Over his last two games, Bo Levi Mitchell has just as many touchdown passes as incompletions.
8 TD
8 incompletions
Quote from: bunker on Today at 06:19:38 PMScouting is lousy. At almost all positions. I think Danny McManus has lost fmhis edge and the new scouts aren't very good. Symptomatic of the whole organization. Started out as a high performance vehicle, headed toward beater status unless something changes.
I dunno if there is any evidence of that, other teams are still picking up their discards and making decent use of them.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on Today at 07:27:48 PMI dunno if there is any evidence of that, other teams are still picking up their discards and making decent use of them.
Vaval and O Wilson the only good finds over the last 3 years IMO
Constant fail finding import difference makers on the O-Line and D-Line, forcing us to (over) pay for established stars like Ceresna and Broxton ( both of which may have passed their peak).
Linebackers are the worst in the league
Secondary paying 540,000 to 3 players, only Holm actually earning his salary. Can't find a decent safety. Williams looks decent.
Other than Wilson (who's been underwhelming so far), unable to find impact American receivers, so we sign Hamilton's cast off instead at top dollar.
I don't really care if a few of our cast offs are replacement level players for other teams. We need the scouts to find impactful young American talent, and they aren't.
Nothing would make me happier than for them to prove me wrong this year, but it's not looking promising.
We are not winning this game without forcing turnovers. And were not forcing turnovers without getting pressure on Bo.
We dont hit hard enough to create fumbles, the lack of aggression on this defense is concerning